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Do£ior Dana's 

TWO 
OCCASIONAL DISCOURSES. 



BOS 



DISCOURSE I. 



THE COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW YEAR, 

ECCLESIASTES, I. 4. 

One generation passetb away, and another generation 
cometh : But the earth abideth for ever. 

REFLECTING on the vanity of fublunary 
things, and of human courfes in the purfuit of them, 
Solomon obferves, One generation passetb away, and 
another generation cometh. The human race pafs off and 
come on the ftage in quick fuccefiion. Thus it has been 
ever fince man was placed upon the earth. Thus it will 
be, till the angel fhall folemnly pronounce, Time shall be 
iio longer. 

When we have taken a fhort view of the vanity of 
the men and things of the world, and of human courfes 
and hopes with regard to them, we fhall proceed to dif- 
courfe of the faithfulnefs of God, as a fure fupport and 
confolation. The earth abideth forever. 

1. — Upon the firft of thefe the wife man obferves, 
u Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What profit hath a 
man of all his labor which he hath taken under the fun ? 
One generation pafleth away, and another generation 



cometb. All things are full of labor ; man cannot utter 
it. The eye is not fatisfied with feeing, nor the ear with 
hearing." Such has been the complaint in former 
times. The world continues much the fame— mutable, 
unsatisfying. We mull look beyond it for durable and 
fatisfying happinefs. Thofe who are the moft Solicitous 
for the acquifxtion and continuance of earthly objecls, 
and who enjoy the moft, have the fulleft proof of their 
vanity and the folly of ardent hopes from them. 

Various illuftrations of the Subject are given us. 
Particularly, 

First, in the ftudy of wisdom, " I gave my heart 
to feek and fearch out by wifdom concerning all things 
that are done under heaven— and behold, all is vanity 
and vexation of Spirit. In much wifdom is much grief; 
and he who increafes knowledge,increafes Sorrow. Though 
a wife man labor to know the works of God, yet fhall he, 
not be able. Laborious as his researches are, the refult 
is a conviction of human ignorance, " And how dieth 
the wife as the fool ?" 

There is not lefs vanity in the purfuit of pleasures* 
" I faid in mine heart, go to now, I will prove thee with 
mirth ; therefore enjoy pleafure. And behold, this alfo 
is vanity, I builded me houfes ; I planted me vineyards ; 
I made me gardens and orchards, and planted trees in 
them of all kinds of fruits ; I made me pools of water ; 
I gat me Servants and maidens — men fingers and women 
fingers, and the delights of the fons of men, as mufical 
inftruments of all forts. Whatfoever mine eyes deftred, 
I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any 
joy." Having all the means of enjoyment, difpofed as 
he was to enjoy them, he mull have been fatisfied, if ex- 



ternal things could have fatisfied. Yet we find him pro- 
nouncing all to be " vanity and vexation of fpirit. There 
is no profit under the fun." 

Again, there is a vanity in unremitting labor, the 
fruit of which cannot be long enjoyed, and muft be left 
to we know not whom, " For who knoweth whether 
he fhall be a wife man or a fool ? Yet fhall he have rule 
over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I 
have fhewed myfelf wife under the fun. This alfo is 
vanity." Thofe who inherit great pofleflions, for which 
they never labored, generally abufe them. How confpi- 
cuous then the folly of fuch as think, that their houfes 
fhall continue, and their dwelling places to all genera- 
tions ; and call their lands after their own names ? There 
is no good in worldly poffeffions, but thankfully and 
cheerfully to ufe them, and be rich in good works ; truft- 
ing in him who giveth us all things richly to enjoy. 

Further, the help of man is vain. Inefficient for 
his own wants, how has he enough for himfelf and us I 
Apt to misjudge with refpecl: to his own good, he may 
misjudge as to ours. Or his views and difpofition may 
change. At beft, he can do but little for us ; nor that 
long. An alteration of circumftances may render him 
unable any longer to do us the good he once did. Or the 
Sovereign of life may change bis countenance, and take 
him away. In that very day his thoughts perish. There- 
fore put not your truft in any fon of man, however wife, 
great or good. " The godly man ceafeth, and the faith- 
ful fail from among the children of men." The friend 
who is nearer than a brother is taken away. Thofe on 
whom our earthly hopes are chiefly placed, may be re- 
moved at an hour of which we are not aware. Joya 



» 8— 

which fiourifh to-day, may wither to-morrow. Some- 
times, by a reverfe of nature's law, thofe who were 
coming forward on the ftage, are removed ; and thofe 
continue upon it, who fhould voluntarily retire. Retire- 
ment becomes thofe whofe powers no longer fuffice for 
acting an ufeful and honorable part. The protraction of 
life beyond the period of enjoying and doing good is rath- 
er to be fubmitted to than defired. But we obferve that 
ufeful characters are often removed before their powers 
are impaired ; yea, in the midft of their ufefulnefs ; or 
foon after their entrance on the ftage. The hopes enter- 
tained from them are deftroyed* 

Thus the men and things of the world, " make our 
expectations vain, and difappoint our truft." — Yet, 
Secondly, 7be earth abidetb forever. 

We are to underftand this claufe of the verfe as the 
contraft to the former — a declaration of the faithfulnefs 
and unchangeablenefs of God. By his appointment, one 
generation after another pafleth away; arid one after 
another rifeth up, to fill the place of thofe who are gone, 
none of whom return. A new race fucceeds. " Thou 
turned man to deftruction, and fayeft, Return, ye chil- 
dren of men. Behold, thou haft made my days as an 
hand breadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee. 
A thoufand years are in thy light as one day, and one 
day as a thoufand years." Thus reflecting on human 
frailty and vanity, the pfalmift derived confolation from 
his belief of the eternity and covenant love of God. 
il Lord what wait I for ? my hope is in thee. Thou haft 
been our dwelling place in all generations. The earth 
and heavens wax old and perifh j but thou {halt endure.'* 
Hopes from creatures are vain. But the everlafting 



God, the creator and confidence of all the ends of the 
earth, fainteth not, nor is weary. Amidft the changes 
o- the world, he hath not forfaken the earth. " One 
generation {hall praife thy works to another, and iliall 
declare thy mighty acts. The father to the children 
fliaU make known thy truth. Forever, O Lord, thy 
word is fettled in heaven. Thy faithful nefs is unto all 
generations: Thou haft eftublifhed the earth, and it 
ablcleth." God will always have a seed to serve bim. 
However threatening their own circumftances ; however 
forrowful, deftitute or diftreffed,- whatever the public 
gloom — whatever occafion to mourn for Zion; the faith- 
ful know that God changeth not. Therefore they are 
not confumed. They put their truft under the fhadow 
of the Almighty. They dwell in the fecret place of 
the most high. They {hall not be moved, but abide for 
ever. A covenant God will guide and guard, help and 
comfort them, and embolden them in his caufe. He hath 
raifed up godly and faithful men, in all paft ages, and 
ftrengthened them to defend, and fpread, and tranfrnit 
his truth and worfhip : He always will raife up, furnifh, 
and be with fuch characters ; fo that, amidft the corrup- 
tion of the world, they (hall labor, and not faint. 

The antediluvians, fcorning all the remonftrances 
of Noah, he prepared an ark to the faving of his houfe, 
the prefervation of the human race, and of faith and pi- 
ety upon earth. The fafety of the ark in the deluge is 
an emblem of the ftate in which the church of God has 
often been. God is in the midft of her, and {hall help 
her right early. The burning bulh, which was not con- 

B 



—10— 

fumed, was alfo an emblem of the wonderful preserva- 
tion of the church. 

When, in a few generations from the flood, the 
world was overfpread with fuperflition, God called Abra- 
ham from the midft of idolaters, and fet up true religion 
in his family. A branch of this family was afterwards 
feledled to uphold the worfhip of one orly living and true 
God. He reproved kings for their fakes, faying, Touch 
not mine anointed, and do my prophets no barm. He 
fent Jofeph before them, who became the proteaor of 
his family and nation. After his deceafe arofe a new 
king who opprefled that people. But divine providence 
raifed them up Mofes and Aaron, by whofe.handhe led 
them as a flock, having delivered them by a mighty arm, 
JoQiua fucceeded Mofes ; and Eleaaer was clad with 
Aaron's garments for glory and beauty. God was with 
the judges. Samuel, the laft of them, was defervedly 
lamented by all Ifrael at his death. The Lord was with 
David, Solomon and Hezekiah. The fpirit of Elijah 
Tefted on Elifha. Ifaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, 
Ezra, Nehemiah and others, were fignal inftruments in 
upholding the purity of God's worfhip, witnefles for him 
amidft the degeneracy of their people. Amidft all the 
declenfions and apoftacy of the chofen people, God al- 
ways had a greater number of friends than the faithful 
themfelves imagined. In a time of general apoftacy, the 
fears which Elijah expreffed are not unnatural. " Lord, 
they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine 
altars; and I am left alone, and they feek my life." 
The anfwer of God was, " I have referved to myfelf 
feven thoufand men, who hare not bowed the knee t© 
the image of Baal." 



The jewifh church was as a city on a hill. With 
the prefervation of their fcriptures, the means of falva- 
tion were preferved. Men of other nations, obferving 
the fpecial providence over the Jews, might be led to 
know and worftiip the true God. After the tranflation 
of the fcriptures into a language common to many other 
nations, the words of eternal life might be extenftvely 
known from that tranflation. There was among the 
eaftern nations a general expectation of fome great 
character to arife in Judea. This brought the wife men 
from the eaft to Jerufalern at the time of our Saviour's 
nativity. 

The chriftian church confifled firft of believing Jews. 
To them were added believing Gentiles ; both making one 
church. The many violent perfecutions of this church 
in its infancy muft, humanly fpeaking, have extinguiihed 
the chriftian profeffion : But its founder declared, that 
" the gates of hell fhould not prevail. Lo, I am with 
you alway, even to the end of the world." Events 
from that time to this have proved his power and faith- 
fulnefs. He made provision for the continuance of his 
religion, by a fucceffion in the chriftian miniftry, the ob- 
fervation of the Lord's dav, and the two facraments. 
It was left to the care of friends, to continue and propa- 
gate it by ordinary means, after having been onae miracu- 
loufly proved and eftablifhed. 

The chriftian church, through the middle ages, was 
overfpread with grofs darknefs and fuperftition. But 
the facred writings were preferved entire. From thefe 
fountains many minds might be favingly illuminated, not- 
withftanding the great apoftacy of the members and prin- 
cipal officers of the curch. The faithful, flying into the 



-—12 — 



wilderness from the fury of the Dragon^ bad a place pre- 
pared of God. With his lively oracles, as a light 
in a dark place^ they held the mystery of faith in a 
pure conscience. — Not indeed without a mixture of er- 
ror. This can be laid of no church, of no individual, in 
the mod enlightened age. But pure Chriftianity, though 
not loft in thefe dark ages, was much encumbered and 
{haded. From the dawn of the reformation, many burn- 
ing and fhining lights have rifen at different times, in 
different parts of Chriftendom. Though it was but for 
a feafon that the light of their perfonal miniftry could be 
enjoyed ; yet they continue to inftruct mankind, by their 
unanfwerable defence of the gofpel againft the bold at- 
tacks of the infidel ; and by the rational view they have 
given of it, in opposition to bigotry, fuperftition and fa- 
naticifm. Well informed proteilants are at length gene- 
rally agreed in allowing to all the right of private judg- 
ment, which is the bans of the reformation, and the on- 
ly principle upon which Chriftianity can be defended. 

In fome ages and countries the fupporters of pure 
religion have been more numerous and confpicuous than 
in others. Few or unobferved comparatively as they 
may have been in any age, they have been many more 
than thofe imagine, who confine religion to fuch as be- 
lieve and worfhip with them. In every nation and com- 
munion there may be fuch as are accepted with God. 
Kow many real Chriftians may there be in different com- 
munions, who, though not generally known to the world, 
have power with God£ There is, probably, m oft reli- 
gion in the private walks of life. The generation that 



is paffing away exclaim, that there is a deluge of vice 
unknown to former times. . The generation that is riling 
up, deny it, and give the preference to the prefent times. 
In this comparative view, we do not enquire wisely* 
The fcenery of the world fhifts, while the ftate of na- 
ture, the courfe of affairs, and characters of men may 
be much the fame. 

u The Father hath kept the times and feafons in 
his own power." From the fcriptures we learn, that 
" the knowledge of the Lord fhall fill the earth." When 
this glorious date of the church fhall open, a voice fhall 
be heard under the whole heaven, proclaiming, M Alle- 
luia j for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." While 
we daily pray, " Thy kingdon come, thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven ;" it behoves us to do what in us 
lies to extend and tranfmit a favor of religion. 

The earth abidetb* and will abide, till the time ap- 
pointed for the diffolution of the heavens, earth and ele- 
ments. This diffolution is referved to the day of judg- 
ment. The friends of the church die ; but others fuc- 
ceed to uphold and adorn it. It is founded on a rock. 
It can always boaft of fuch characters as its founder des- 
cribed ; " Thou haft not denied my name ; but haft held 
faft my faith. I alfo will keep thee in the hour of 
temptation; and they of the fynagogue of Satan fhall 
know that I have loved thee." Perfecution tries the 
friends of truth. In times of temptation they may leave 
their firft love. But they remember from whence they 
are fallen. " Though ye have lain among the pots, yet 



—14— 

fliall ye be as the wings of a dove coveredwithfilver, and 
her feathers with yellow gold." 

u The wife, and the righteous, and their works are 
in the hand of God." They are frequently removed at 
a feafon when their counfel, endeavors, example and 
prayers appear to be moil needed. But he in whofe hand 
they are, raifeth up others of a like fpirit, to make up 
the hedge, and ftand in the gap. The pillars of the earth 
are the Lord's. He can never want means or inftruments 
to fulfil the defigns of his immutable love. " The 
thoughts of his heart are to all generations. Blefied is 
the man who trufteth in the Lord, and whofe hope the 
Lord is." 

There may not be the molt true religion where there 
is moll talk about it. It is not the oflentation and confi- 
dence of a Pharifee. Nor is it the zeal of a perfecutor, 
fighting againft God, while thinking to do him fervice. 
Nor is it the warmth of a fanatic, pretending to private 
revelations, fubverfive of the oracles of God confirmed 
by miracles. Nor is it fuperftition. For if it be a good 
reafon for our worfhip, that we derived it from our an- 
ceftors, they certainly erred in renouncing pagan idola- 
try for the worfhip of the true God ; and afterwards in 
abjuring popery. It is, indeed, no juft objection to a re- 
ligious perfuafion, that our anceftors embraced it. But 
religion requires, that we prove all things, and be 
able to give a reason why we worfhip as we do. It con- 
fifts not in warmth without light, zeal without know- 
ledge ; or in any externals. It is to have Chrifl formed 



in the foul, to be fettled in the faith of him. It is love 
to God and men. The more there is of true humility, 
Unfeigned faith and chriflian charity in the world, the 
more is there of vital religion. The fearcher of 
hearts only knoweth how many fuch characters there 
are. The world may take but little obfervation of num- 
bers who are among the excellent of the earth, and of 
whom the world is not worthy. 

When the Sovereign of life removeth rulers, endowed 
with wisdom and knowledge, and therefore the stability of 
the times — When he removeth teachers from the church, 
who exemplified the character, Tears the light of the worlds 
the salt of the earth — Or when he removeth others, who 
were eminently and extent! vely ufeful to mankind, there is 
reafonfor the like lamentation as that of Eliiha for Elijah, 
** My father, my father, the chariot of Ifrael, and the horfe- 
men thereof!" God is to be acknowledged in the time 
of their coming on the ftage, the part they acted, the 
abilities and fidelity with which they acted it, their op- 
portunities, and the time and circumftances of their go- 
ing ofF the ftage. With him is the residue of the spirit. 
Becaufe he abideth faithful, therefore as one generation 
pafleth away, another (hall fucceed. He will set others 
over his congregation, to go out before them, and to come 
in before them* 

Apply thefe reflections to the removal of any earth- 
ly friend, much valued and much depended on. He who 
gave and hath removed this friend, can raife up another, 
Or he will, in other ways, unforefeen and unthought of, 
fuftain you, while you truft in him. " He raifethup the 



— 16— 

poor out of the duft. Albeit that the Lord be high, yet 
hath he refpecl to the lowly. A father of the fatherlefs 
and a judge of the widow, is God in his holy habitation*" 

What has been difcourfed teaches us a proper 
temper and behavior amidft the viciflitudes of the world. 

Recollect paft providences, the hiftory of the 
church and world : It fupports the good man, however 
gloomy his own ftate, or that of his connexions, or peo- 
ple, or the church of Chrift. Clouds and darknefs fur* 
round the throne of God : But he changeth not. He 
feeth the end from the beginning. Vice and confufion 
triumph for a while. Righteoufnefs alone {hall be finally 
and eternally exalted. All the paths of the Lord are 
mercy and truth to the meek and humble. Their hope 
is fet on no perifhable good ; but on an eternal weight of 
glory. They therefore can pray and praife, though in 
prifon and chains. They blefs God alike when he taketh 
away as when he giveth. The world and things of it 
pafs away ; but they who do the will of God abide for 
ever. They mourn for Zion, when fhe is covered with 
a cloud. They ceafe not to pray, that her " righteouf- 
nefs may go forth as brightnefs, and her falvation as a 
lamp that burneth." They rejoice that Zion's God fhall 
reign to all generations. Shall Zion fay, " The Lord 
hath forfaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me ? 
Can a woman forget her fucking child, that fhe fliOuld 
not have companion on the fon of her womb ? Yea, they 
may forget j yet will I not forget thee : Behold, I have 
graven thee upon the palms of my hands ; thy walls are 
continually before me." 

Scoffers, walking after their own lusts, fay, All 
things proceed in an uniform courfe. There neither has 



been,' nor will be, any divine interpofition to reward vir- 
tue, and punifh vice. From the beginning of the world^ 
one generation has fucceeded another. Where is the 
God of judgment ! — Stop, bold blafphemer. Wilt thou 
fet him a time ? His goodnefs and forbearance lead to 
repentance. The church lives, notwithstanding the feoffs 
and rage of its foes. She had been long fince crufhed, 
and her name forgotten, had {he been founded in delufion 
or impofture. Her ftrong Redeemer liveth : And his 
love is as fure as his might. The flames of perfeeution, 
have not confirmed but purified her, as the furnace does 
gold, to which the precious fons of Zion are compared. 
Her children pafs away one after another ; but others 
arife, and withftand winds and floods. For " the Lord 
on high is mightier than the mighty waves of the fea." 

Shall the fcofFer ftill open his mouth wide ? Whom 
doth he reproach and blafpheme ? Againft whom doth 
he exalt his voice, and lift up his eyes on high? even 
againft the holy one of Ifrael, the Lord God omnipotent* 
44 Who may ftand in his fight, when once he is angry?" 
-Will you confpire againft the Lord's anointed, faying, 
41 Let us break their bands afunder, and caft away their 
cords from us ?" Can you reverfe the decree, " I have 
fet my King upon my holy hill of Zion ? Thou art my 
fon — I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, 
and the uttermoft parts of the earth for a porTen^on?" 
How vain have been the counfels taken againft him in 
ages paft ! how impotent the combined rage " of powers 
on earth, and powers below" ? Can thofe revilers, who 
at this time talk of the age of reason, and the temple of 



— .18— 

reason, eflfecT:, by their blafphemy, what earth and hell 
have for fo many ages attempted in vain ? Sooner or la- 
ter they will verify that fcripture ; "There were they iii 
great fear ; For the Lord is in the generation of the 
righteous, Becaufe he is in the generation of the righ- 
teous, he will put the foes of Zion in fear. This truth 
has been many a time terribly exemplified in a day of ca- 
lamity with them j and efpecially in their laft moments. 

Our Fubject teaches us to reflect often on the pro- 
grefs of time. 

How many generations have pafTed away already ? 
Multitudes, in all periods of the world, have died by 
the fvvord — pnoft of thefe in full hVength and youth. 
Multitudes have died by famine occafioned by war — Mul- 
titudes by peftilence. Three generations pafs away in 
one century. Fifty four have therefore pafled away 
fmce the birth of Chrift. 

Abraham was born twenty centuries from the cre- 
ation of Adam and Eve, and as many before Chrift. 
After the deluge, human life appears to have been gra- 
dually contracted till the time of Mofes, when it was 
probably fixed at nearly the prefent ftandard. The lon- 
gevity of the antediluvians, and fome of the patriarchs 
after the flood, made the generations of thofe periods ve- 
ry different from what they have been for more than three 
thoufand years ; in which fpace about an hundred genera- 
tions, filch as now people the earth, have pafled away. 

Where (hall we of the prefent generation foonbe ? 

Buried in darknefs and forgotten. " Man lieth down, 

rifeth not till the heavens be no more," None of 



former generations return to us. We fill the place of 
our fathers. We muft loon leave our place empty for 
our children. They will leave theirs to the next gene- 
ration. Thus it will be till the fecond coming of Chrift. 
When former ages pafs in review before us, they appear 
ftiort. How fliort the term of one generation ? The 
paft years of our own life appear fhort. Shall we then 
contemplate the remaining part of life as long ? Future 
generations will run over the hiftory of our age with like 
rapidity and indifference as we do that which preceded us. 

My aged hearers will reflect with me, that very 
foon the grave, which waits for us, will be our houfe* 
The worm {hall feed fweetly on us, as it now does on for- 
mer generations, on multitudes who began life with us 
and after us — on multitudes in youth and childhood, whom 
we knew. Yea, what numbers of our own children have 
been long dead ? What changes have we witneffed and 
experienced ? How many friendfliips I How many of 
the tendereft relations has death diffolved ? Over fome 
of them we, perhaps, lamented, " Would God I had di- 
ed with thee 1 Or would God I had died for thee" I 
Recollecting our paft connexions in friendlhip, affinity 
and blood, and obferving how few are left, we appear to 
ftand alone. Thofe alfo whom we highly efteemed and 
honored in the deareft of all bonds, religion, now deep 
in Jefus. They have left a favor of real chriftianity be- 
hind them. Have we not a defire to be with them ? to 
enjoy them forever l What remains, but that we gird 
up our loins, prepared to go to the generation of our fa- 
thers ? — That when we go hence, we may he called up 



•ao- 



higher — to a place among those who stand by. The ref- 
olution of an aged faint is moft worthy to be emulated. 
" I will hope continually, and will yet praife thee more 
and more. I will go in the ftrength of the Lord God : I 
will make mention of thy righteoufnefs, even of thine 
only — I will (hew thy ftrength unto this generation, and 
thy power unto every one that is to come.*' 

Some are on the ftage a little longer than others \ 
None are long upon it. We, whofe time to quit it is 
nigh in the courfe of nature, have not been upon it long. 
If fpared a little longer, it will become us feafonably and 
decently to retire from the public eye, as much as may- 
be ; rather than wHh to be employed in bufy fcenes at a 
period which calls for reft. Let us give all diligence that 
our work may be well done — that the doling act may be 
well performed. Have we filled up our place in the world ? 
Are we ready for a better world than this ? My aged 
brethren, fuch reflections become our years* 

May thofe in younger life be ambitious to fill up the 
place of their fathers. Yea, my young brethren, fill up 
what has been wanting in them. This is, perhaps, as 
eventful a period as the world ever faw. It is impoihble 
to forefee what may be hafteningon the earth. The revo r 
lution in America has been fucceeded by a great making 
in the nations of Europe, and the iilands of the fea. If, 
while the ftrength of fo many kingdoms is deftroyed, the 
United States may efcape, they will have much caufe of 
thankfulnefs. You, who are now coming forward on the 
ftage, may (if diicord prevent not) fee your country 
ftrong in the means of defence, andfafe from foreign a g- 



•21- 



greffions. Be pcrfuaded to ferve it in the ftation divine 
providence may afiign you. He that walketh with wife 
men fliall be wife : But a companion of fcorners fliall be 
'deft roved. Seek fir ft the kingdom of God. This is to 
be wife for eternity. 

All who are here prefent, of whatever age or or- 
der, voung and old, high and low, rich and poor, fhould 
call to mind the falvations of God — our health — the pre- 
fervation of our families and fubftance — the protection 
of our friends abroad — the divine imiles on our vocations 
and employments — the continuance of our privileges 
civil and religious. Every good gift is from above. Let 
hs return and glorify the Giver, by our thankful enjoy- 
ment and ufe of all we have. How precious are thy 
thoughts unto us, O God I how great the fum of them ! 
In love to our fouls thou haft preferred us in life, and 
under the means and influence of grace. " The grave 
cannot praife thee, death cannot celebrate thee. The 
living, the living, he fhall praife thee. The father to 
the children ihall make known thy truth." We have not 
rendered the homage and obedience which thy infinite 
perfections and mercies claim. In many things we all 
ofFend. In all things we come ill ort of thy glory. Thou haft 
not dealt with us after our fins. Thougiveftus a further 
fpace to acquaint ourfelves with thee. May the time 
paft fufrice, in which we have wafted or neglected our 
talents. 

Admonitions of the inftability of life are various 
and frequent. We may fee the end of all earthly per- 
fection. It is the trueft wifdom to keep in a prepared 



— 11 — 

; poflurc for the viciflitudes of this probationary ftate, and 
the end of all things. It could not profit, might the 
whole world be purchafed at the expence or' the foul. 
The foul can neither be faved nor loft without our con- 
fent. Will a fingle perfon in this houfe acknowledge 
that he confents his foul fhould be loft ? There is not one. 
No ; it is the univerfal prayer, Let me die the death of 
the righteous. But the wifhes and interceflion of the 
impenitent, as they fee death approaching, cannot make 
their laft end like that of the righteous. No foul, who 
neglects the great falvation, can efcape the damnation of 
hell. To day^ if ye will bear his voice , harden not your 
hearts. My brethren, look diligently lest any man fail 
■ e f *b e grace of God. Exhort one another daily ^ lest any 
, me harden through the deceitfulness of sin* 



esse 



DISCOURSE II. 



ON THE COMPLETION OF THE EIGH- 
TEENTH CENTURY. 



ECCLESIASTES, I. 4. 

One generation passetb away, and another generation 
cometb : But the earth abide th for ever. 

We have taken a concife view of the viciflltudes 
of the world, and vanity of human purfuits. We have dif- 
couribd on the faithfulnefs of God as a foundation of 
truft, while terreftrial expectations are vain. 

As a further exemplification of the general fubjec"l, 
the commencement of a new century leads to a rehearf- 
al of fome diftinguifhed events of the laft. With this re- 
hearfal a few feafonable reflections will be interfperfed, 
and others fubjoined as the eonclufxon of the dicourfe. 



Introductory to my defign, it may not be air.ifs 
to remark, that the progrefs of fcience favored the caufe 
of the reformation, which commenced under Luther 
15 17. Later improvements have been as the fliining 
light, which fhineth more and more. Whatever modifi- 
cations the Romifti faith has undergone in modern times ; 
however the cruelty, impiety and profligacy of Rome 
may have faded, from well known caufes t her religion is 



— i4— 

fubftantially the fame as in the darkeft ages. The te* 
formers, warned of God, renounced her communion, at 
a time when the pontiff was in all his glory. The pow- 
ers who agreed to lay their honor and wealth at his feet, 
have agreed to hate him, and ftrip him of his dominions. 
The nation, whofe monarch firft recognized him as a 
temporal prince, and placed the triple crown upon his 
head, with the ceffton of three kingdoms, is now th* 
moil forward inftrument in his defolation. He has been 
inverted in Rome itfelf, fent into banifhment, and the 
city delivered to fpoil. 

Had the principles of the reformation and of liber- 
ty been underftood, either in the old or new world, 
through the greater part of the 17 th century, its hiflory 
would not have been ftained with persecution for the ex- 
ercife of the unalienable right of private judgment ; or 
with judiciary trials and decifions in violation of the 
principles of evidence. Our anceftors, perfecuted in 
their native country, fought a path through the fea, to 
a land that was not fown, that they might freely worihip 
God according to their own confcience. The fpirit of 
popery was retained for a confiderable time after its other 
errors were abjured. As good men may not know what 
spirit they are of, we do not pretend but our anceftors 
retained a portion of the error and bigotry, which, at 
that day, adhered to all proteftant communions. Any 
inftances of exterminating zeal in them,, which were not 
according to knowledge, were no other than dishonored 
the Englifti church, which has been confidered as the 
bulwark of the reformation. 



It was a very eventful period in England from 1646 
to 1688. Behold in that period the viciffitude of hu- 
man affairs. For eight years the parliament fat without 
intermiffion ; at the end of which the king was tried and 
executed. To this fucceeded the interregnum of Crom- 
well. The restoration took place 1660. The metropo- 
lis was vifited with the plague 1665, and burnt 1666. 
The abdication of James II. the revolution, the fettle- 
tlement of the protestant succession to the crown, were 
in 1688. Worthy of fpecial remark is the act of uni- 
formity in the reign of Charles II. whofe court exceed- 
ed every other for luxury, diffipation and contempt of all 
ferioufnefs, whofe perfonal vices were an open de- 
fiance to piety and good, morals. .A prince and court of 
fuch description could have no concern for the form, much 
lefs for the power, of godlinefs But the political purpofe 
was to exfcind the puritans. In the reign of his brother 
and fucceffor we obferve the toleration act. It was 
oftenfibly a contraft to the other. The real view was to 
introduce and eflablifh popery. The bigotted papiit was 
much fuch a friend to toleration, as his luxurious, effem- 
inate predeceffor was to uniformity and purity of worfliip. 

Oliver Cromwell " reigned with equal conduct, 
« c moderation and fuccefs — The public treafure, of which 
« he had the difpofal, was managed with frugality and 
W care — Every nation, with whom the Englim had arty 

w connection, now courted their Protector's alliance 

M Very active, vigilant and refolute, he difcovered ever* 
" infurrection among the people, and every confpirac 

D 



84 againft his perfon, before they took effect — Ae was 
M more an enthufiaft than an hypocrite." Character of 
Charles II. " His pleaiures, his flatterers, his concu- 
" bines, fcenes of mirth, riot and feftivity, engrofled all 
u his attention, and exhaufted his finances*." 

The revolution of 1688 was an event very propi- 
tious to New England. In that year and the next pre- 
ceding, her characters and powers of government were 
forcibly taken away. Opportunity was not given to 
make defence in England. Every fpecies of exaction 
Was fuffered under Andros and Randolph. It was deter- 
mined to place all New-England, with New- York and 
Ntw-Jerfey, under one royal governor. The abdi- 
cation of James II. and accelhon of the Prince of Orange 
extricated this country from the depths of deprerhon. 
Various acts of parliament fettled the proteflant fuccef- 
fion to the crown of England, Few events in Englifh 
hillory are of equal importance to the caufe of liberty and 
diffusion of knowledge. 

Within the 18th. century great changes have taken 
place. At the opening of it, two monarchs in the north 
of Europe drew the attention of that quarter of the globe.. 
With a daring genius and predominant paffion for con- 
quer!:, one of them aftonifhed and terrified the European 
world, by the boldnefs of hisplans, the rapidity of his vic- 
tories, and extenfion of his arms. Commencing his ca- 
reer at the age of eighteen, he puflied fouthward, and 
eaftward, and weihvard. Unexampled fuccefs, without 
a cheek, attended him for nine years. Enriched with 
the fpoils of two kingdoms, he purfued the armies of a. 

* Littleton, Vok II. page Go j 67 ; C9. 



—V7— 

third, headed by their fovereign, hunted them fron eve- 
ry poft and entrenchment, and directed his courfu to th e 
capital, invincible to obftacles which nature and art 
placed in his way. The enemy never dared to attack 
him with even numbers. The emperor of all the Ruf- 
fias had ferious apprehenfions, that this Alexander might 
overrun his empire and dethrone him ; and was compell- 
ed to fend forward propofals of peace ; to which he re- 
ceived for anfwer, " I will treat on peace at Moicow." 
The hero of the North wiflied to be the arbiter of Eu- 
rope. But from the time of his fending the above info- 
lent anfwer by the Ruffian ambaffador, the tide of victo- 
ry turned. His ufual fagacity failed him. He changed 
his rout againfl the bed advice. He had taught the fly- 
ing enemy the art of war. They turned upon their pur- 
fuers. He was completely defeated, and never recover- 
ed ftrength any more. His following misfortunes were 
as fignal as his victories had been. Some of his greateft 
misfortunes were the effects of his obftinacy. All Europe 
trembled while uninterrupted victory attended the arms 
of Charles XII. He died as a fool dietb 17 19, at the 
age of 36, and left his kingdom in a debafcd ftate*. 

* On what foundation (lands the warrior's pride, 
How juft his hopes let Swcuifh Charles decide: 
A frame of adamant, afoul of fire, 
No dangers fright him, and no labors tire: 
O'er love, o'er fear extends his wide domain,, 
Unccr.quer'd lord of pleasure and of pain : 
No joys to him pacific fcepters yield, 
War founds the trump, he rufties to the fiel ! j 
Behold lurrounding kings (heir pow'r combine, 
And one capitulate, ami one refign : 
Peace courts his hand, but fpreads htr charms in vain •: 
M Think nothing gain'd, he cries, Hill nought remain, 
«< On Mofcow's walls 'till Gothic flandurds fly, 



Peter the great of Ruffia was not lefs enterpris- 
ing, or lefs inured to fatigue, than Charles of Sweden, 
His genius and objects of purfuit were more noble, 
though cruelty entered into the compofition of his tem- 
per. Pie was born at Mofcow 1672. He gave the mod 
arduous attention to arms, commerce, a navy, civiliza- 
tion, arts and fciences. In a few years he built a larg# 
navy. Powerful Ruffian fquadrons are now feen in the 
Baltic, in the black fea, and in the Mediterranean. 
Hence the preponderance of the Ruffian power in the 
north, and its political importance in the fcale of Eu- 
rope. The Ruffians affiime a lefs barbarous afpec"l than 
heretofore. " Rugged as moil of them are at prefent, 
" attached to the brutiih fuperftition and difcipline of 
*' their anceltors, they may one day be reckoned among 
' the civilized nations." 

*« ^.nd all be mine beneath the polar fky." 
The march begins in military itate, 
And nations on his eye fufpendtd wait: 
Stern famine guards the iclitary coaft, 
And wimer banicadts the realm cf Froft. 
He comes, not want and cold his courie delay : — 
Hide, bluihing glory, hide Pultowa's day : 
The var,q lifii'J hero leavt.8 his broken bands, 
And (hews his naileries in diitant lar.ds j 
Condemned a needy fupplicsnt to wait, 
While ladies interpofe, and flaves debate. 
But did not chance at length her error mend I 
s pid no fubverted empire maik his end ? 
Did rival mcrurchs give the fatal wound ? 
Or hoftile millions prefs him to the ground?. 
His fall was deftin'd to a barren (hand, 
A petty fortreiSj aud a dubious hand $ 
lie left the name at which ihs world grew pale, 
To point a moral, or adorn a tale. 

Johnson. 



—2,9— 

In the revolutionary war of America, England 
fought the aid of Ruffia j but without effect. She was 
more fuccefsful in addreffing the fame power to co-oper- 
ate againft France, two years ago. But the temporary 
aid of the " magnanimous ally" was withdrawn the 
next campaign. " Political alliances want friendship to 
' combine, and force to compel. Affiftance is to be ex- 
pected only from native ftrength and unanimity. When 
a powerful people impute to the perfidy of foreign 
u itates ,thofe national difafters which a proper vigilance 
u and forefight might have prevented, they only bear 
" teftimony t their own indolence, or weaknefs of go- 
" vernment*." 

The hiftory^ of modern Europe evinces, beyond all 
contradiction, that the faith of treaties and the jealoufy 
for the balance of power will guard no nation. The par- 
tition of Poland is an inflance verifying the latter part 
of the obfervation. Civil difTentions gave opportunities 
to three of its neighbors to difmember that kingdom. 
The other powers faw, without interference, the rival 
courts of Berlin, Vienna and Peterfburgh act in concert 
in this opprobrious bufmefs. 

Frederic II, than whom the age produced not a 
greater politician, obferving that KuiTia was overrurining 
Poland, projected the plan of partition. Communicating 
the project to the Emprefs of Germany, it met with 
her ready concurrence. The Emprefs of Riifiia, mean- 
ing to grafp the whole, was with much difficulty induced 
to be content with a part. Frederick fuggefted to her, 

Littleton, Vol, II. p3ge tis\ *3$i ^39} 294.. 



— 3° — 

by his brother and very able minifter, Henry, refident 
at Peterfburgh, that, as flie was at war with the Turks, 
it was highly probable that the Emprefs of Germany 
would take part with them. Frederick engaged to ufe 
his mediation with the Emprefs of Germany not to in- 
terfere. His device fucceeded. An alliance was en- 
tered into at Peterfburgh, wherein the three courts 
agreed to divide among themfelves a great part of the 
provinces of Poland, and to force upon the other provin- 
ces a new conftitution. This was in 1772. Of the dif- 
membered provinces,Ruffiahas a population of 1,500,000; 
Germany 2,500,000 ; Pruffia 860,000, which is the 
moll commercial part. The remaining population of 
Poland is about feven millions. In 179 1 Poland eftab- 
lifhed another conftitution, which combined the interefts 
of the king, the nobles, the citizens and the peafants. 
It was the general wifh of all orders. But a few of the 
nobles, imagining that due regard was not paid to their 
privileges, flattered the ambitious views of the Emprefs 
of Ruffia ; who fent an army into Poland, under pretence 
of being guarantee of the conftitution of 1772* The 
conftitution of 179 1 was overthrown, and a feconddivi- 
vifion of that oppreflcd country took place 1793. Some 
unfuccefsful attempts were made to deliver Poland from 
its oppreflbrs, in which the valiant Kofciufko was taken 
prifoner. He was carried to Ruffia ; and the king re- 
figned his crown 1795. A third partition followed. 
* Poland is at prefent a country, but no nation, being 
" entirely fwallowed up by the dividers of the spoil" 

" Of the three powers who difmembered the prov- 
" inces of Poland, Pruffia was formerly in a ftate of vaf- 



" falage to the republic. Ruffia once faw its capital and 
" throne poffefTed by the Poles. Auftria," but little 
more than " a century ago, was indebted to a fovereign 
" of Poland for the prefervation of its metropolis, and 
M almoft of its exiflence. The m after and protector of 
H its neighbors was overwhelmed by them ; and now firft 
u felt and lamented the fatal effects of faction, internal 
" divifion and corruption." A Polilh citizen obferved, 
u Our liberty is like a two edged fword in the hand of an 
" infant; and for that very reafon our neighbors are anx- 
" ious to preferve it entire." 

The national exiftence of the United States com- 
menced four years after the firft divifion of Poland. 
The recent example is a moft inftruclive leffon to us. 
Like caufes produce like effects. Divifions within will 
deftroy our refpectability and ftrength, and lay us open 
to external attacks. Foreigners will take from us our 
liberty, if we, like infants, know not how to ufe it. 

Foreigners residing among us have a predilection 
for their own country. We do not blame them on this 
account. But it is a fufficient reafon why they mould 
not affume, nor be fufFered, to prefcribe to the citizens 
and government of the United States what inftitutions,- 
manners and political regulations are proper. Modefty 
forbids it on their part : Wifdom and fafety will not per- 
mit it on our part. Shall they affume the province of 
being guides to us in our ignorance, and confervators of 
our liberties ? Numbers bring with them habits of oppo^- 
fition to order and good government. Protection, not 
preferment, is all that foreigners may claim. This they 
may expect, fo long as they are quiet and peaceable*- 



Are they men of fcience ? As fuch they will be refpecT;- 
ed in their attention to literary purfuits • but not in en- 
deavors to fubvert our faith, or difturb our civil admin- 
iflration. 

From 1740 to 1786 few chara&ers make fo confpi- 
cuous a figure in European hiftory as Frederick II, of 
Pruffia. Great as a fcholar, philofopher and flatefman, 
he was tranfcendant in military {kill and valor. He was 
the ally of Britain from 1756 to 1762;. At that time 
many Americans had a fublime idea of him as a patron of 
the proteftant, reformed religion. He was in reality an 
avowed deift, and not improbably an atheift. To fay that 
he was a tyrant, is but to fay that he was what the fove* 
reigns of the earth generally are. The connections 
which united him to Britain were diflblved by the peace 
of 1763. His ftates and capital were in imminent dan- 
ger, once and again, in fome of the years of the preced- 
ing war. France and Germany, Ruffia, Sweden and 
Poland were all leagued againft him. A rare firmnefs of 
fpirit fupported him under the prefTure of the greateft 
difficulties and dangers. He never once gave way to 
defpondency. At a time when every other mind would 
have given up all as loft, he poffeffed his ufual conftancy. 
A concurrence of providential and unthought of events 
reftored him from impending ruin, and gave him complete 
triumph. 

We fee that war is the fyftem of Europe. We 
view " an affembly of gamefters, who demand their re- 
" venge, and refufe to quit play till they are totally ru- 
" ined." 



The year 1773 was particularly remarkable for the 
expulfion of the Jefuits from the Pope's dominions, and 
the fuppreffion of the order by his bull. 

Infidelity has run and been glorified through 
Europe— efpecially in the latter part of the laft century. 
Vain philofophy is ufed as a cloak to fubvert religious and 
civil inftitutions, introduce general anarchy, and de- 
moralize the world. This definitive fyftem, replete 
with the depths of Satan, appears to be gaining ground 
in the United States. The moft licentious and impious 
publications have free circulation. 

Looking back but a few years before our feparation 
from Britain, the French poflelled the great rivers o£ 
Lawrence and Miffifippi, and had interior fettlements 
from the one to the other. With thefe advantages, they 
might, in a little time, have encompaffed the Atlantic 
ftates, and made them provinces of France. We efcap- 
ed that fnare, by a total reduaion of the French power 
in North America 1760. 

No fooner had England reduced the power of France 
in North America, and fettled the peace of 1763, than 
{he turned her whole attention to deforce from her colon- 
ies the liberties they had enjoyed, under the fanaion of 
royal charters, from their firft fettlement. The arbitra- 
ry fyftem of colonial adminiftration which flie adopted, 
which flie obftinately perfifted in, and attempted to exe- 
cute with all her force by fea and land, is frefh in the 
memory of many of my hearers. Finding her deaf to 
expoftulation, America oppofed force to force, unequal 



as the conflict was. On the fourth of July 1776, our 
reprefentatives fubfcribed the declaration of indepen- 
dence. 

Says a royal author, " A wife government would 

" have been in hafte to appeafe the rifing troubles in 

" America. But madmen rivet their eyes on the objects 

" of ambition." Says another fenfible writer, " Toat- 

" tempt to govern a whole nation in a mode abhorrent 

" from their feelings, prejudices and principles, is a com- 

" plication of folly and wickednefs — The fpirit which 

" pervaded America is the fame which roufed all Eng- 

" land to action at the revolution." 

By refunding, once and again, part of the colonial 
expenditures, in the war for the reduction of the French, 
E no-land acknowledged that her American colonies had 
contributed, beyond their ability and proportion, to the 
eXpence of that war. This notwithstanding, the imme- 
diate project was, at the conclufion of the war, to bind 
the colonies, in all cases whatsoever, by laws of the Eng- 
lilh parliament. The ardor to execute this project in- 
creafed with the difficulties and misfortunes attending its 
prosecution. As new embarrafments arofe, England 
negociated for fuccors in every court of Germany ; 
and fucceflively proclaimed "war againft France, Spain 
and Holland. The capture of two Britifh armies fuffic- 
cd not to cure the obflinacy of the king. The laft cap- 
ture, however, preceded by the armed neutrality of the 
north, awakened a fmall majority, in both houfes of par- 
liament, to demand a pacification. 

England refolved on councils calculated to alien- 
ate a young and flourifliing country from their fovereign 
and fellow fubjects, or we had been this day her colonies, 



—35— 

■*— -=■" '- 

Declared out of her protection, we appealed to heaven, 
and girded on our armor. Many good men thought that 
refiftance maft be unavailing. Unprepared and undifci- 
plined as we were, we were neither difmayed by mena- 
ces, nor feduced by infidious promifes. Unexampled 
difficulties and dangers could not extiriguifha well found- 
ed ardor to repel aggreiTions on our rights. Who guided 
our councils in the fenate and in the field? Who girded 
us with flrength, and brake the bows of the mighty ? 
Was it not the Lord ? Who gave us a Washington — 
a name fuperior to what any other age or nation can 
boaft? — the only man, perhaps, who could have been 
our fhield in war, and our counfellor in peace ? Who 
inspired the framers of our national conftitution? — the 
beft fyftem of human wifclom which the world ever faw? 
Who turned the heart of the whole nation, as the heart 
of one man, to fix in the chair, once and again, the 
patriot and the beft flatefman that was ever at the head 
of any government ? 

Had England been victorious in our revolutionary 
war, flie might have ruled the earth as well as the ocean. 
The world would have deplored fuch an event. Nor 
could univerfal empire have been of the fmalleft ad- 
vantage to that nation. The Spaniards and Portu- 
guese, by their ravages and carnage in South America, 
extended their dominion, and acquired immenfe wealth. 
From that time we date the decline of their indunry, 
manufactures and valor ; the effeminacy and luxury which 
deftroy the fpirit of defence, and fink a national charact- 
er. It was of the Lord to ieparate us from England at 
the time we were feparated. Elefled be his name. May 



- 3 <S- 



the reparation continue as long as the fun and moon (hall 
endure. Whatever might be the apprehensions of many 
at the commencement of our arduous warfare, and 
through various ftages of it, the univerfal fentiment of 
America now is, that we embraced the only time to fe- 
cure our liberties. They muft have been loft for ever, 
had we not refolved to contend for them at the time, and 
at the expence, we have done. 

Often as our liberties have been endangered, they 
have as often been refcued in ways adapted to ftrength- 
en our faith in a fpecial divine fuperintendence. Recol- 
lect the deliverances of this country in times of calamu 
ty, and particularly in the late years of war for the 
eftablimment of our national fovereignty. Rehearfe 
them to pofterity. They claim undiffembled gratitude 
and praife : They teach us ftill to hope in God. 

Many thanks are due to the negotiators of the peace 
of 1783, — -a far better peace than we could have expect- 
ed, and which gave us all we could reafonably defire. 
The extent of territory, including an inland navigation 
of about three thoufand miles, (except a few and ihort 
interferons of land carriage) and the fifhery, were ad, 
vantages which the generosity and good faith of our gal- 
lic ally wifhed us not to obtain. The only object of the 
alliance with France in 1778 was to fecure our indepen- 
dence. But France fpared no arts to diffuade Britain 
from acknowledging the United States independent. Not 
lucceeding in this attempt, nor in endeavours to exclude 
us from the navigation of the great lakes, or from the 
fifiiery, France has, fince the eftablifhment of our gov" 
ernment, uniformly directed her efforts to weaken and 



—37— 

divide us. Witnefs the conduct of her public minifters 
and other agents in this country, her undertaking to pre- 
fcribe to us the principles and character requifile for 
American envoys to l'n nee, fpecifving for the purpofe 
fuch as were hoftile to the government of the United 
States ; aad refilling, once and again, to accredit envoys 
who were friendly to it. The arms and councils of 
France had a very different object than American inde- 
pendence. Though fhe has faid, and ftill infills, that we 
owe to her our independence, every American may 
know the contrary. 

The articles of confederation, agreed on in 1778, 
left the general government inefficient. It depended on 
recommendations to the refpedtive Hates for the requifite 
fupplies. Whatever difpofition there was to furnifh 
them, during the war ; yet fome of the Hates fell much 
fliort of their proportion ; and the public wants increafed 
fafter than the contributions of the ftates could furnilh 
fupplies. The recurrences, firft to emiiTions of a paper 
currency, and then to loans at home and abroad, became 
neceffary. After the peace, the debt, incurred by eight 
years of war, continued to accumulate, from want of 
funds and revenue. The recommendations of Congrefs 
ceafed to have the effect, which they had in the years of 
common danger. The defects of the articles of confede- 
ration were experienced more and more. In 1787 a con- 
vention of delegates from the refpective ftates framed the 
federal conftitution ; which being ratified the following 
year, the firft Congrefs under it met at New- York, 
March 4, 1789. 



-38- 

From the time that the government has been in op- 
eration, effential benefits have been experienced, in the 
reftoration of peace to our frontier — the population and 
improvements of the country — the extenfion and defence 
of commerce — the eftabliihment of fources of revenue— 
the reftoration of public credit — and unexampled accumu- 
lation of property. Happy above all people would our 
nation be, were its gratitude to God and patrial affe6lion 
correfpondent to its means of profperity. 

The American empire contains a territory of 1250 
by^icMO miles, and a population of five millions and an 
half ; a navy of forty fhips of war and armed veffels ; 
(befide private armed veffels) and about a million tons of 
Clipping. Our exports the laft year amounted to the 
commercial value of 70,991,780. 

Some of the younger part of this congregation may 
live to witnefs a greater population in the United States, 
than there is at prefent in any kingdom of Europe — if 
war, peflilence, or civil commotion fhould not retard our 
growth. 

Eleven of the ftates in the Union were fettled in 
the 17th century-* ; the other five in the iSth.j* 

Slavery is abolifhed in fome of the States. In 
others the abolition is faft progreffing. The importation 

* Virginia 1610. New- York and New-Jerfey itfiS. Ma(h- 
chufetfs, 1610, 1619. New.Hunpfhire 1613. Delaware 1627, 
3633. Miryland 1633. Conne&icut and Rhodc-IlUnd 1635. 
Sjuth Carolina 1669. Pennfyivania 1681. 

f North-Carolina 17*0, 1728. Georgh 173*. Vermont 1764.. 
Kentuckey 1773. Tenntflce 1789, and adnnuea into th^ union 1796. 



—39— 

«f flaveshas ceafed in all the States. Not to mention, 
the iniquity of traffic in our fellow creatures, it neither 
comports with falutary induftry, good economy, or per- 
fonal fecurity. 

Since the eftablifhment of the federal government, 
it has had to ftruggle with a vigorous, concerted andper- 
fevering oppofition. Should any one State, by invaria- 
ble efforts, acquire a controul over the general govern- 
ment, the union muft be diiTolved. When it cannot af- 
ford equal protection to every ftate, no wife man would 
regret a diffolution. There are no extremities to which 
fome will not proceed for the accomplifhment of fmifter 
purpofes. Could the ftate governments defend them- 
felves, were the union diffolved ? Would there be any 
end to confufion and divifion ? Suppofe two or more con- 
federacies formed out of the wreck of the general go- 
vernment. Would they be more permanent ? — more free 
from jealoufy and ftrife ? The war fyftem of Europe* 
ftanding armies, would be introduced. The feparate 
confederacies would throw themfelves, for protection 
from each other, into the hands of different foreign pow- 
ers ; whole ftern language will be, The fruit of tby land 
and all tby labors are mine. Tby silver and tby gold arc 
mine ; tby wives also, and tby children, even the goodli- 
est, arc mine. Could v/e agree to fupport the federal 
conftitution and government, all Europe could not fub- 
Jligate us ; nor would any foreign power make aggreffiort 
upon us. May the love of our country grow with our 
growth. 

Looking over the hiftory of Europe, we find it 
fclled with war and defoiation. In the 16th century, 



— -4C— 

England had thirty three years of war. In the 17th, 
thirty feven years. In the 18th, more than forty. The 
years which are not confumed in war, are employed in 
preparing for it. Coalitions, treaties, guarantees, ne- 
gociations are multiplied one upon another, in contra- 
vention of one another. What is the friendfhip between 
nations ? The faith of treaties is a right hand of fals- 
bood. The dominions of the potentates of the earth are 
Mountains of prey. Given to pleasures, thofe, who fend 
forth their hundreds of thoufands to war, feel no regret 
for the time, treafure and lives thrown away ; or the 
famine and peftilence which w r ar brings in her train. The 
fpoils of humanity furnifh them a triumph. They hear 
of garments rolled in bloody and give orders for public il- 
lumination and rejoicing. 

The war which has raged fo long in Europe, 
the fury of which is flill increafmg, has exceeded former 
wars in bloodftied and defolation. United America 
Wants not the means of being convinced, that an alliance 
with fuch men of blood muft be equally foolifli and haz- 
ardous. If any dependence is placed on treaties with 
them, difappointment will be the fure confequence. If 
America does not felicitate herfelf in herfeparation from 
that quarter of the globe, by an ocean of a thoufand 
leagues — if ilie does not prize her own elective govern- 
ment, flie muft be ungrateful to God, and unjuft to her- 
felf. She will merit the contempt and deteftation of all 
wife men. Pofterity will load her with execration. 

Had our revolution and government been conducted 
by men of iimilar principles and fpirit vith thofe whe 



—41— 

have conduced the revolution and government of France^ 
we had been involved in like calamities as that devoted 
nation. The conflitution, which we have Solemnly 
iworn to fupport, might have been exchanged as often, 
and the change have been folemnized in like manner. 
Inftead of mature, ftcady councils, we might have feen. 
the capricious reign of terrorifm, in every fhape. We 
might have feen an armed force furround the hall of Con- 
grefs, to arrefl and fend into banifhment our representa- 
tives and Senators. We might have feen a foreigner 
ufurp all the powers of the legiflative and executive— a 
tribunate with power only to debate on meafures which 
the ufurper might propofe — another department, to vot$ 
but not debate. Revolutionized France ftands forth a 
Spectacle and warning to all nations. Her government 
is a military government. We apprehended that {he 
might frame a government on the principles of civil and 
religious liberty ; therefore we wiftied her fuccefs at firft. 
But inftead of amending her own government, inftead of 
fetting a laudable example to her neighbors, {he hasfub- 
fcribed to a fyftem of defpotifm. She has deterred other 
nations from attempting a reform. She has taken up 
arms to fpread terror in the land of the living By diS- 
turbing and making a prey of other nations, {he has de- 
clared that her caufe is not the caufe of freedom and hu- 
man rights, but the contrary. She has thrown back the 
caufe of liberty one century at leaft. Have we feen a 
fmgle patriot, a fmgle friend of liberty, a fingle philan- 
throphift, among all who have conducted her affairs fmce 
the conftitution of 179 1 1 What nation, in modern times, 
have extended its ravages and exactions as this nation ? 



—42— 

We have purchafed our freedom with a great fum* 
God forbid that we mould not know how to prize it. By 
all that is dear in this world (may I not add, in the world 
to come ?) is America folemnly warned againft a con- 
federacy with foreign powers— againft learning foreign 
manners. While {he dwelletb alone, fhe may dwell in 
safety. This fentiment is meant merely as a caution 
againft political connections abroad — againft the admiiiion 
of foreigners to a participation in our government. The 
genius of America prompts her to a friendly and com- 
mercial intercourfe with all nations. 

The days of our mourning for Washington are 
not ended. His name and virtues will be revered in this 
country to all generations. The fentiments of civil po- 
licy, fummed up in his farewell addrefs to the United 
States, is a light to them, now that their father and 
tried friend is withdrawn. He was removed from our 
world December 14, 1799- That > rear > and the former 
part of 1800, were diftinguiflied by the death of many 
perfons in high office*-. I have said, Te are gods— but 
ye shah die like men. 

Connecticut may afcribe her lingular order and 
happinefs to inftitutions of her own, and an exemption 
from foreigners. In proportion to its extent, it is the 
moft popmous of the United States. The original fet- 
tlements on the river were made 1635. ThefirftinNew 

* Governor Sumner of M; fiachuletts ; governor Henry of 
Vir^nia; goverWr Henry of Maryland ; governs M.fflin ci P.nn- 
fyivani ; judge Iredell and judge Paca of the federal court j go- 
verno Rutledge of South Carolina , governor Gill of Maffachwfetts j 
Mr. Tazewell of the Senate, 



—43— 

Haven 1638. In 1639 feparate political conftitutions 
were framed at Hartford and New' Haven, and the o- - 
vernments continued diftindt twenty fix years*. Con- 
necticut government included the towns of Hartford, 
Weathersfield, Windfor, Say Brook. New Haven, 
Milford and Guilford were included in New Haven go- 
vernment. At the union of the two governments in 
1665, there were nineteen towns. When the laft cen- 
tury commenced, thirty five towns had been fettled. 
There have been three inftances of a father and fon in 
the chair; — not in immediate fuccefiion. For about 
eighty years from the union, we meet with but one in- 
flance of a governor being omitted in the votes of the 
freemen. In that inftance, he was chofen deputy go- 
vernor ten years fuccemvely, until he retired from pub- 
lic life, at the age of 86f . 

In three inftances, through the eighteenth century 
the freemen of Connecticut have not rechofen the govern- 
or who was in the chair. The firft inftance was from 
mifreprefentationj; the fecond, from the ferment occa- 
sioned by the ftamp a& of 1765$. In the third inft&ice, 
the gentleman in the chair had more votes than any 
other, though not the requifite majority ||. The free- 
men, conlidering his advanced age, withheld their ufual 
number of votes. No government, purely republican, 

* Succeflioo of governors in Hartford: Hayne's, Hopkins, 
Wyiiys, We.ls, Winthrop. In New Haven : Eaton, Newman, 
Leet. 

f Treat. 

t WOLCOTT. § FlTCH. U Gr!SWOI,D, 



has had fo few changes as Connecticut. The' prefent* 
population is about 240,000 ; probably rather over than 
under this number*. The flate is about 90 miles long» 
and 60 broad. 

New England, including the emigrations, has dou- 
bled fix times within a century and a half. 

President Dwight's accurate and excellent centoi- 
ry difcourfe, delivered in your hearing lafl week, ren- 
ders it unneceffary for me to give any account of the 
churches in New-England, or of the inftitution over 
which he fo worthily prefides. 

Mr. Theophilus Eaton and the Revered John Da- 
venport, with about fifty fettlers, arrived at Bofton, in 
two (hips from London, June 1637. Mr. Hopkins, af- 
terwards governor of Connecticut, came in one of the 
{hips. Mr. Eaton was a merchant of reputation and 
faftuon in London. He had been feveral years in the 

* Governors of Connecticut from the union in 1665. 



John Winthrop 


from 1665 


to 167^ 


Willcam Leet 


i«75 


1683 


Robert Treat 


1683 


169S 


Fitz John Winthroj* 


1*98 


1707 


Gnrdon Saltonftall ' 


1707 


1725 


Jofeph Talcott 


17*5 


1 741 


Jonathan L.5W 


1741 


*7S* 


Roger Woicott 


1751 


"754 


Thomas Fitch 


1754 


1766 


William Pitkin 


17P6 


1769 


Jonathan Trumbull 


1769 


X7*4t 


Matthew G = ifwold 


J 784 


1785 


Savnuel Huntington 


1785 


1796 


Oliver Wclcot 


1796 


1797 


Jonathan Trumbull 


»797 





I Refigned 1783. Di»d 1735. JE 7|, 



Eaft-Indies, employed by the India company, had been a 
public minifterfrom the court of London at Copenhagen, 
and was a gentleman of great merit. Mr. Davenport 
was an eminent minuter in Goleman-Street, London. 
He had a great character for learning and piety. Under 
the Laudean perfecution, he was obliged to conceal him- 
felf in 1633. He was feveral years in Amfterdam. 
While there he received an invitation to Bofton in New- 
England. Many who had been his principal hearers in 
London came with him. Great pains were taken to per- 
fuade them to flay in Maflachufetts. The court offered 
them any place they would pitch upon. But they de- 
clined. They wifhed to fet up a civil and ecclenaflical 
polity by themfelves. Trade was the view of the fet- 
tlers, not hufbandry. Mr. Eaton was employed to find 
out and purchafe an eligible fituation for them. After 
feveral tedious journeys through the wildernefs, New- 
Haven was feledled*. 

* The names of the firft fettlers. Theophilus Eaton, John 
Davenport, Robert Newman, Matthew Gilbert, Thomas Fugill, 
John Punderfon, Jeremiah Dixon, Nathaniel Turner, Ezekiel Chee- 
vers, William Andrews, Samuel Eaton, John Clarke, John Chap- 
man, Robert Seely, Thomas Jeffreyes, Richard Hull, Tnomas 
Kimberly, Thomas Grigfon, John Mofle, Adam NichoIIs, Abra- 
ham Bell, William Thorpe, Francis Newman, Andrew Low, 
Thomas Monfon, ■ ■ James, George Lambertor, Thomas Nafli, 
Richard Perry, William Peck, Andrew Hull, Goodman Sherman, 
John Gibbs, John Livermore, Thomas Ell fey, Joflnia Atwater, 
Anthony Tompfon, Edward Wigglefworth, John Vincent, John 
Wakeman, John Benham, Stephen Goodyear, John Potter, Jafper 
Craae, Andrew Ward, Francis Bell, Richard Malbone, William 
Ives, Francis Browne, John Nafli^ William Davis. Seven of thefe 
began the fettlement in the autumn of 1637, Mr. Jofhua Atwater, f 
a gentleman of diftinftion and opulence, was of the feven. They 

•fr This gentleman built the houfe now occupied by his great- 
grandfon, Thomas Atwatcr ; a convenient habitation, tho' older, by 
about fifty years, than any in the city. 



—46— 

" They built veflels for foreign voyages ; and fet up 
trading- houfes upon lands which they purchafed at Del- 
aware bay for beaver ; bat were unfuccefsful. In five 
or fix years they were much exhaufted*". 

From the time that the government of New-Haven 
colony affumed form and confidence, Mr. Eaton was 
governor, until his death, 1657. 

Mr. Samuel Eaton, brother to the governor, was 
a few years teacher with Mr. Davenport the paftor. 
From fome family manufcripts, it fliould feem that there 
was not a perfect coincidence in fentiment, on the fub- 
je£l of civil polity, between thefe two gentlemen : And 
Mr. Eaton ( as is faid by advice of the governor) return- 
ed to England. 

The firft church was formed in the fummer of 1 639-5*, 

pafTed the winter in an indifferent fhelter, thrown up for the feafon, 
near the fouth market. Their affociaies followed them in the fpring. 
The firft houfes were commodious, of two ftories. They began to 
build on George ftreet and the oppofjte hill, between which fmall vef» 
fels then paffed, in a creek which for a number of years has heen fil- 
kd up. The plan of the town, and arrangement of the byildings 
on the feveral fquares, was originally formed on the idea of a regular, 
compact city. The governor's Uoufe was on the lot in Elmftreet 9 
where the late Reverend Jbfeph Noyes lived j and Mr. Davenport's 
on theoppofite lot. 

* " They exerted themfelves, as xhs Jaft t/Fort, m building a 
#yip'* of 1 50 tons, 4t for the trade of England." In this fhip " they 
put there whole ftcck of money* pi te, and all the proper goods they 
could procure, to make a more valuable adventure. Mr. Gregfon, 
orp of the magnates, wect paflenger, in order 4o ppoeuic a patent $ 
ght or ten more/* moft of whom were " pirfons of chief note.'* 
The ftiv was never heard of after they fet fail, January 1647. "The 
k>fc of tb.is £j;j> ejntiveiy broke them op as traders.'' 

MxUhmfois, hifiwy at teagadufem* 

<£- S«e Bote &*. 



—47— 

and Mr. Davenport inftalled the paftor. Mr. Robert 
Newman was chofen ruling elder. In 1642 Mr. Daven- 
port was invited, by letters from London, to affift in the 
General Afiembly of divines at Weftminfter, and would 
have accepted the invitation ; but the church would not 
conic at. Mr. William Hook appears to have been teach- 
ing eider 1644. He returned to England 1656. Mr. 
Nicholas Street was ordained teaching elder November 
26, 1659. He was a gentleman of exemplary piety and 
meeknefs, and eftecmcd as a preacher. In 1667 Mr. 
Davenport removed to Bolton, where he died, of the pal- 
fey, March 16, 1670, aged 73*. After his removal to 
Bofton, Mr. Street was the only inftructor of the firfl 
church in New-Haven, until his death, April 22, 1674- 
The church was deftitute of a paftor from that time, un- 
til July 2, 1684, when the Reverend James Pierpont 
was ordained. We do not find, after Mr. Davenport's 
time, that the office of a ruling elder was continued here ; 
and a teaching elder was no longer diftincl from the paftor. 
Mr. Pierpont died November 14, 17 14, in the 55th year 
of his age. He was fucceeded by the Reverend Jofeph 
Noyes, who was ordained July 4, 1716 ; and continued 
fole paftor until March 1, 1758, when the Reverend 
Chauncey Whittlefey was ordained colleague paftor, 
Mr. Noyes died June 14, 1761, in the 73d year of his 
age.f Mr. Whittlefey died July 24, 1787, set. 70 J 
The prefent paftor was inftalled April 29, 1789. 

* While Mr. Davenport redded at New. Haven, Whaley and 
Gcffc, two of king Charles' judges, wexe concealed feveial weeks 
in ms houfe. 

f In the long vacancy before Mr. Pierpont's introduction, the r* 
X See note B. 



—48— 

Five towns have proceeded from New Haven,* and 
feven churches from the firft churchf. The prefent pop, 
ulation of the city is 4,000 ; and 60 the ufual mortality 
for a year J. 

was a (harp contention in the church in regard to different candidates % 
particularly with refpecT; to Mi. John Taylor and Mr. John Herri* 
man. Each of theie gentlemen preached to the vacant church feveral 
years. The adherents of the former called the other party Herrima- 
nians. Tuefe returned the compliment, and called their brethren 
Taylorifts. The parties, after a tedious and very difhonorable con- 
tention, agreed to apply to fome eminent minifters, in and ntar Bof* 
ton, for direction to a fui table candidate. They recommended Mr. 
Pierpont. He was graduated it Harvard college 1680 j was a gen- 
tleman of exemplary piety, uncommon prudence, and very amiable 
manners. He foftened the (pint of controverfy, and united the con* 
tending parties.. He wis eloquent and mighty in the icriptures. In 
conversation from houfe to houfe, he eta fed not to warn every man, 
and teach every man in all wifdom. Under his rmniftry the church 
experienced that it is good and pleafant to dwell together in unity. 

Mr. Noyes was fon of the Reverend James Noyes of Stoning- 
ton. This ancient church was harmonious and happy under his mi- 
nistry, until 1741 j when, through* the influence of various itinerant 
preachers, numbers feparated from him. In 1757, enfeebled by age 
and many perplexities, he propofed the fettlement of a colleague j and 
was highly gratified by the unanimous choice of the Reverend Mr. 
Whittlcfey. After the fettlement of a Colleague, Mr. Noyes very 
much defifted from the public fervice of the fan&uary. He was na- 
turally difcerning and judicious, and acquainted with the learning of 
that day, having been a tutor of the college five years. In preaching 
he aimed to be plain and familiar : Yet he occafionally difcovered a 
good acquaintance with the art of criticifm and the phrafeology of 
fcripture. On doubtful panagea and myfterious doctrines, he wat 
always cautious, judicious and charitable. In prayer, few could 
exprefs themfelves with equal readinefs and propriety, on every occau 
lion. His converfation was entertaining and inftruclive. On ab- 
flrufe matters, but few couid fpealc with the perfpicuity which he did. 
He was prudent, hofpitable, patient. 

* Wallingford, Eaft Haven, North Haven, Woodbridge anil 
Ham den. 

f See note C. 

\ S«e note D* 



—49— 

Reflect, my hearers, on the great things Goii 
bath done for United America, in making us a nations 
a nd bellowing 6n us privileges fuperior to thofe of any 
nation on earth. Judging from paft events, it may be 
the defign of his providence to elevate us above all na- 
tions — to exhibit to the world an inftance of a govern- 
ment founded in freedom of election, a government which 
infeparably unites the interefts of the eonftituted author- 
ities and of their conftituents — affords equal protection 
to the individual ftates, and fecures to every citizen the 
juft fruits of his own talents, induftry and virtues. 

I admire our national confHtution. It breathes the 
"principles of liberty, to which I have been attached from 
my youth. Allow it a fair experiment. Weigh the con- 
fequences of its fubvernon. It is eafier to pull down 
than to build up. Is any fubftitute prepared, which 
may meet general acceptance, and better guard national 
and individual rights ? Is there a reasonable profpec~l 3 
that a conftitution of comparable excellence with the 
prefent may or will be framed ? Will a good conftitu- 
tion be devifed or adopted, when the fpirit of party runs 
high? 

Among the greateft infelicities of the nation we may 
reckon the corruption of the source of public information 
and opinion. By this means confidence in the govern- 
ment is deftroyed. It is confefled, that the confidence 
of the people in their legillature andadminiftrationis the 
fupport of a republic, as ours. Well informed citizens 
never demand the abandonment of meafures conducive to 

Q 



Sesssaea 

the national intereft, nor the adoption of meafureg 6pp$* 
fed to that intereft. They cannot wifli to elevate folly, 
duplicity or vice to public Nations. They mufl prefer 
wifdom, integrity and firmnefs. The prefs fltould be 
the medium of information, not of impofition ; of fpread- 
ing truth, not falfhood. The freedom of the prefs con- 
fifts in the publication of truth. The publication of 
f alfhood and {lander is poifon to the political body. Dif«* 
union, the facrifice of fecial and patrial affections, arc 
ominous traits in our national character. 

Add to this, our irreligion and infidelit)^ God 
will pun'dh for all their iniquities, a people whom he 
hath highly favored. In what way can we provoke him 
to caft us out of his fight, if not by civil difeord, and 
contempt of his only begotten Son, whofe gofpel pro- 
claims univerfal peace and good will ? The gofpel, and 
this only, inftru6ls us how to acquaint ourfelves with 
God, and conciliate his favor to our country. It in- 
culcates principles of action which alone fecure our fidelity 
to any truft, to the duties of any relation ; under the in- 
fluence of which the friendly and public affections, and 
love to the cities of our God, will prevail and appear in 
the moft trying filiations. To uphold, and tranfmit in 
its purity, the gofpel of peace, life and immortality, will 
be the firft care of a people who know the things of their 
political falvation. It is calculated to make every na- 
tion, and every individual, wife and happy. If we hcar- 
ienunto God, if we reverence his Son, he will not leave 
fe, for his own great najie' sake. 



~~ 5 !Z1 

All orders fliould fuffer the exhortation to fear God, 
to believe in him whom he hath fent, and from whom we 
{hall bell learn the love of our nation. For he looked not 
tm bis own things. Chriftian charity seeketh not her own- 
That pious care, which heads of families and perfons of 
fuperior ftations formerly maniftfled for the honor of the 
gofpel — that regard to found morals, which formerly 
were confidered as requifite qualifications for the fiift of- 
fices in fociety, are declining, and faft departing from us* 
The wicked walk on every fide, when unprincipled men 
are exalted. u Religion and morality," fays our afcen" 
ded patriot and father, " are the great pillars of human 
* happinefs, the firmed props of the duties of men and 
" citizens. Where is the fecurity for property, for re- 
" putation, for life" without M the fenfe of religious 
"obligation? Reafon and experience forbid -us to ex- 
* c pec~t that national morality can prevail in exclufion of 
u religious principles." 

The difciples of deifm and atheifm are alike hoftile 
to civil as to religious order. If the foundations be de- 
ftroyed, what fhall the righteous do ? The afcendancy 
which a fpirit of difcord has acquired in our youthful re- 
public, the implacable animofities, as ill confiij with good 
policy as with the principles of natural or revealed re- 
ligion. They endanger all our deareft privileges. Could 
righteous heaven inflict a forer judgment,than to fuffer ug, 
by fach means, to pull down the political fa brie we have 
built ? May this wrath praiie God, and may he reftrain 
the remainder of it. 

The footfteps of God are not known. He can di& 



Hi— 

pel the public gloom, when it is greateft. When his 
fervants know not what to do, their eyes are unto him. 
He accomplifheth his unfearchable and gracious defigr.s 
by thofe means which vicious men and evil fpirits employ 
to defeat them. Individuals fay, when he afRicteth 
them, All these things are against me. Patriots fay, 
when the pofture of public affairs is critical, and public 
councils are embarrafled, All thefe things are againft th e 
nation. They are ready to defpair of the public caufe. 
God meaneth fuch events for good in one cafe as much as 
in the other. The method of his providence i3 not to 
extricate individuals or nations in ways which human, 
wifdom may devife. This truth was often experienced 
in our late revolutionary war. Paft falvations, great 
and furprifmg, teach us to truft in him to deliver us, in 
ways which elude human forefight. Amidft the great 
corruption in principles and manners, the bitter envy 
and ftrife, and warm litigation of parties, God hath re- 
ferved him many pious and excellent characters in the na- 
tion. If he meant to deftroy us, why hath he wrought 
^ch great things for us ? We derive confolation from 
the recollectipn of his interpofition, in all paft feafons o* 
calamity and danger in our country. 4t The Lord reign- 
"eth : He is clothed with majefty and ftrength. The 
l ! floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up 
" their voice : The floods lift up their waves. Thy 
< 4 throne is eftabliftied of old. Thy kingdom ruleth over 
" all. The Lord on high is mightier than the noife of 
% many waters ; yea, than the mighty waves of the fea". 

Ever fmce the earth was firft filled with violence^ 
Bride has made aggreffions on its neighbor. Lawlefs 



5 J 

£rength has" proftrated right. Europe is now fhaken to 
the foundation by the rage of war. The human race are" 
appointed as fheep to the daughter. We fee no profpcct 
of a termination to the dreadful calamity. It will be the 
wifdom of America to attend to defenfive meafures ; and 
iC always to prefer an honorable accommodation to hofti- 
lity." May the providence, which hath hitherto prefer- 
ved our nation from taking any part with the belligerent 
powers, ftill preferve it. 

The United States, if at peace among themfelves 
if not embroiled with foreign nations,will, with their ad- 
vantages, enterprize and induftry, rapidly advance in po- 
pulation, arts and fciences, commerce, agriculture and 
manufactures, for a long time to come. We may fay, A 
nation has been born in a day. May the empire, whofe 
foundations are laid, be durable. May the prefent and 
fucceeding generations in our country improve the advan- 
tages which no other people pofTefs. 

Of the fages who framed the conftitution, many reft 
from their labors. We venerate their memory. To theifr 
furvivors an/1 fuccelTors it belongs to build on the fame 
foundation. They would have been the laft to object to 
improvements. Senfible of the imperfection of human 
wifdom, they made judicious provifion for any amend- 
ments, which time and experience might point out.-— ■ 
This provifion we confide r as an excellence in the confti- 
tution. But a zeal for amendments, which would impair 
the foundation, will neither be wife nor patriotic. The 
argument for the preponderance of the executive and for 
hereditary fucceflion might have weight, were we fitu- 



—34 — 

ated as are the kingdoms of Europe ; but we are not fur- 
founded by jealous nations, whofe trade for ages has been 
War. We dwell alone. 

The rifing generation will have increafing opportu- 
nities for improvement with the growth of the nation* 
At the fame time, their principles and virtue will be af- 
failed. This is an age in which every fubjecl will be in- 
veftigated. It is alfo an age in which infidels and fcof- 
fers triumph, beyond any former example*. Very much 

* <s We mould fuffer the meft eventful feafon ever witntflcd in 
the affairs of men, to pafs over our heads to very little purpofe, if 
we tail to iearn from it the nature and progrefs of the p .(lions. The 
true light, in which the F»ench revolution ought to he contemplated, 
is that of a g>and experiment on human nature— The fhort-lived 
forms of power and office glided with fuch rapidity through fucctflne 
ranks of degradation, that they feemed rather to folicit acceptarce, 
than to be a prize contended for : Yet, as it was ftill impoflible for 
all to poffcls authority, though none were willing to obey, a gene- 
ral impatience to bre-k the ranks and mfh into the foremoft ground, 
maddened and infuriated the nation, and overwhelmed law, order 
and civilization with the violence of a torrent— —It was late before 
the atheifm of Epicurus gained footing at Rome j out its prevalence 
was foon followed by fuch fcenes of pro'cription, con6fcati an and 
blood, as were then unparalleled in the hiftory of the world j from 
which the Republic being never able to recover itfelf, after many un- 
fuccefsful druggies, exchanged liberty for repofe, by fubmiffion to 
abfolute power. An attempt has been recently made to eltablifh a 
fimilar fyftem in France. Let rofe who doubt, whether the barbari- 
ties, which have ftained the revolution in that unhappy country, are 
juftly chargeable to the prevalence of atheifm, recollect that the men, 
who, by their activity and talents, prepared the. minds of the peo- 
ple for that great change, Voltaire D' Alembert, Diderot, Roseau, 
and others, were avowed enemies of revelation j that, in all their 
writings, the diffufion of fecpticifm and revolutionary principles went 
h3nd in hand ; that the fury of the molt fanguinary parties was ef- 
pecially point d againft religious institutions — that their atrocities 
were committed with a wanton levity and brutal merriment} that 
the irign of atheifm was avowediy and expreflly the reign of terroi j 
that in the full maJnefs of their ciree*-, in the higheft climax of their 
horrors, they {hut up the temples or God, aboli/hed his wo*mip, and 






depends on the firft ftagas of life, on early choice. Would 
our young people be good citizens and. patriots, let them 
read, again and again, the counfel of Wafliington. As 
a fpecimen of human and political wifdom, it is unrival- 
led. Efpecially do we exhort them to be advocates and 
patterns of the morals inculcated by him who fpake as 
never man fpake. Chriftian morals make the beft citizens. 
A real Chriitian is afriend of his country and liberty— 
afriend of all mankind. If infidels and fcoffers entice you, 

proclaimed death to be an eterml fieep-No fooner were the fpecula- 
tions ot ath-.ftfcal philosophy matured, than they gave birth to a fer- 
ocity, « h ic h c nverted the moft poiiflied people in Europe into a horde 
ot aflarh s ■ * ■ - r 

When th if f,vage philofoph, has taught its difciples to look 
with pei lea in „ft. rence on the .-ffspring of his body and the wife of 
bis bofom, toeftrangehimfelffrom his friends, infult bis benefaftors, 
and fi.en* the pleadings of gratitude and pity, will he, by thus di- 
feftuig ; liimlclf or all that is human, be better prepared tor the difin- 
terelted love ot his fpecies. Will he" acquire « a paffionate attach, 
ment to the general good, becaufc he has ceafed to be a man » A 
« p»flion U the general gpod, or love to bein K in general;* which 
is a definmon ot virtue « many faihionable infidels have hit upon," 
is the ba6s or « M . Godwin's principal arguments againft the pri- 
vate ..tt.ction,— -h might have been worth while to refled, that in the 
natural world there are two kinds of attradion j one which Colo's the 
imparts of individual bodies in contact; another, which main- 
tains the union of bodies t'nemfelves with the general fyHem : and 
that, though the union in th e former cafe is much more intimate 
than u the latter, each h equally effentiai to the o.der of the world. 
&iniUr to tins .s the relation which the public and private affeflions 
bear to each other, and their uie in the. moral fyftem. 

The infidels of the p.efent day are the fitft fophifts who bare 
prelumcd to innovate in the very fubjiance of morals. The k>re and 
tear of the fupreme Being, the faced obfervation cf promifes, rev- 
■rence to magnates, obedience to parents, gratitude to benefaflors, 
conjugal fidelity, and parental tendernefs, were" heretofore regarded 
as pr,mary virtues. M.dern innJ«ii,y confounds the firft elements 
ot loc.ety, an d blends every age, rank and lex in indifcriminate pro. 
tension and matfacie." * 

H a fci/s ftrmonon « modern infidelity, with re/fieS 
to its influence on foe'iety" 



(and you may expert they will) caft not in your lot witJj 
them. You owe more reverence to your conferences* 
Confefs your Redeemer, and defend his truth. No 
other hath the words of eternal life. Enquire for the 
good old 'paths •, walk therein^ and ye shall find rest to yout 
souls* 

The words of an eminent prophet and magiftrate in 
Ifrael, addreflfed to them upon occafion of an alteration 
they had made in their conftitution, may with propriety 
be addreffed to all orders in our nation. ** Only fear the 
** Lord, and ferve him in truth with all your hearts. For 
" conlider how great things he hath done for you. But 
44 if ye fhall ftili do wickedly, ye fhall be confumed, both 
44 ye and your king." 

The period approaches, when, as prophecy aflures 
** us, the wolf fhall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard 
44 fhall lie down with the kid. They fhall not hurt nor 
44 deftroy in all my holy mountain." The heavens fhall 
proclaim, " The kingdoms of this world are become the 
44 kingdoms of our Lord — and he fhall reign forever and 
44 ever." The fame word of prophecy aflures us, that 
this period will be preceded by terrible carnage. Some 
fuppofe, that the prefent European war is the beginning 
of the carnage predicted. Time will be the befl expofi- 
tor of the prediJVioa. " The Father hath kept the times 
4t and feafons in his own power. Clouds and darknefs 
44 are round about him ; righteoufnefs and judgment are 
41 the habitation of his throne." Let us tremble and re- 
joice. He hath appointed a day in which he will judge 
the world in righteoufnefs, by Jefus Chrift, Whatevet 



■===■» 
may "be coming an the earth, it mod of all concerns every- 
one of us to be diligent in making preparation for that 
great day* In imbibing the principles, and forming our- 
felves on the maxims, of the gofpel, we mall have peace 
always, by all means-. Wboso 'will observe the divine foot- 
fteps, shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord. 
We know not what we have yet to fufFer in life. We 
may expect various afflictions and temptations. We 
muft be armed with fortitude and refignation, with love 
to our duty and our fouls, would we be prepared for the 
events of time and for the account we have to render be- 
fore the judgment feat of Chrift. Our faith and patience, 
humility and hope may perfuade others to be Chriftians; 
or will comfort and eftablifli them, if already fuch. We 
need be affiduous to lay up in (lore every Chriflian grace, 
that we may fultain the conflict with the laft enemy, at 
whofe approach even the good man trembles. " Not 
" flothful in bufmefs ; but fervent in fpirit, ferving the 
" Lord. Rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation; con- 
" tinuing inftant in prayer*" 

Knowing that the remaining days of my life are few, 
and that thofe of my miniftry may be {till fewer, I would 
not ceafe to put you in remembrance of the mofc impor- 
tant principles, privileges and duties of the Chriftian pro- 
feflion. Of thefe, repentance toward God and faith to- 
ward our Lord Jefus Chrift are the chief and mofc profita* 
ble, I have endeavored to fpeak to you as the oracles of 
God fpeak. A review of great imperfeaions is a daily 
fource of humility and abafement. You have overlooked 
my many infirmities. While I acknowledge your candor 

H 



and refpe6t, let me requeft your concurring prayers andl 
endeavors, that the gospel may have free course, and be 
glorified with you. Attend to the education of your 
children. Bear teftimony againft irreligion and every 
vice. Stand fast i?i one spirit, with one mind, striving 
together for the faithofthe gospel. The God of the spi~ 
rits of all flesh raise up a man, and set him over the con- 
gregation, to go out before you, and to come in before you* 
We will shew the generation to come the praises of 
the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that 
he bath done ; and which he commanded our fathers to 
make known to us. The children who shall be born shall 
arise, and declare them to their children: That they 
might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of 
God, but keep his commandments. 



AMEN. 



NOTES. 



P. 32. 1. 4. " Are there no inconveniences to be 
tnrown into the fcale againft the advantage expected from 
a multiplication of numbers by the importation of fo- 
reigners ? It is for the happinefs of thole united in foci- 
ety to harmonize as much as poffible in matters which 
they muft of neceffity tranfact together. Civil govern- 
ment being the fole object of forming focieties, its ad- 
miniftration muft be conducted by common confent. Eve- 
ry fpecies of government has its fpecific principles. Ours 
perhaps are more peculiar than thofe of any other in the 
univerfe. It is a compofition of the freeft principles of 
the Englifh. conftitution, with others derived from natur- 
al right and natural reafon. To thefe nothing can be 
more oppofed than the maxims of abfolute monarchies. 
Yet from fuch we are to expect the greateft number of 
emigrants. They will bring with them the principles of 
the governments they leave, imbibed in their early youth : 
Or, if able to throw them off, it will be in exchange for 
an unbounded licentioufnefs, paffing, as is ufual, from one 
extreme to another. It would be a miracle were they to 
flop precifely at the point of temperate liberty. Thefe 
principles, with their language, they will tranfmit to their 
children. In proportion to their numbers, they will 
ihare with us the legiflation. They will infufe into it 
their fpirit, warp and bias its directions, and render it a 
heterogeneous, incoherent, diffracted mafs. I may ap- 
peal to experience, during theprefent conteft-, for a veri- 
fication of thefe conjectures. But, if they be not cer- 
tain in event, are they not poffible ? are they net proba- 
ble? is it not fafer to wait with patience — for the at- 
tainment of any degree of population ddired or expected J 



-r60— 



May not our government be more homogeneous, more, 
peaceable, more durable? Suppofe 20 millions of repub- 
lican Americans thrown all of a fudden into France, 
what would be the condition of that kingdom ? If it would 
be more turbulent, lefs happy, lefs ftrong, we way believe 
that the addition of half a million to our prefent numbers 
(Virginia) would produce a fimilar effect here." Notes on 
Virginia, fecond American edition, Philadelphia, 17940 

Had the fentiments of the illuftrious author been 
a prediction, they could not have been more exactly ve- 
rified in iubfequent events, as applied to the United 
States. 

P. 40. A. This and Milfard church were formed 
under a very large oak tree in George Street, about two. 
rods from the door of Mr. David Beecher. The tree 
was {landing about fifty years ago. The church was 
gathered in the following manner. It was propofed that 
all the free planters ihouid make choice of twelve leading 
men — that theie twelve mould chufe from among them- 
felves feven, to model the church; and, having embodied 
themfelves, that they admit others. The l'even wer$ 
Mr. Theophilus Eaton, Mr. John Davenport, Mr, 
Robert Newman, Mr. Matthew Gilbert, Mr. Thomas 
Fugill, Mr. John Punderfon, and Mr. Jeremiah Dixon. 
Thefe, having laid a foundation, were accounted the 
feven pillars. The firft church in Walllngford appears 
to have been formed the fame way ; alfo the firft church 
in Milford, and the firft in Guilford. The firft meeting 
houfe was fi.niihed in 1646. There were then 90 fami- 
lies, or about five hundred fouls. In the whole jurisdic- 
tion or colony of New Haven, 210 freemen are entred 
on the records as, having taken the oath of fidelity in 
1644. In 1647, the whole number was 241. In 1654, 
283. In 1657, 314. In 1660, 335. 

P. 42. B. Mr. Whittlesey was the fecond fon 
of the Reverend Samuel Whittlefey of Wallingford. He 
was educated at Yale College, and a tutor in that femin- 
ary fix years. He was an excellent claffical fcholar, and 
well acquainted with general literature. His affability 
and dignity of manners, philanthropy and integrity, 
joined to an accurate knowledge of men and the affairs 
of life, commanded efteem and veneration. When fet- 
tled in the miniftry, he applied to theological ftudies and 



— 6i— 

the duties of the paftorial office with an ardor, zeal and 
affiduity equalled by few. He knew how to make his 
paftorai vifits, which were frequent, profitable to all 
ages and orders. The fame ferenity and firmnefs, which 
were confpicuous through life, diftinguifhed his clcfing 
fcene. 

P. 42. C. Succeffion of deacons in the firft church 
of New Haven. 







Chosen. 


Died. 




Mathew Gilbert 1 
Robert Newman J 




1639* 


1680 




William Peck 




1^59 


* 6 95 




Richard Miles 






Jan. 7, 1667 




Roger Allen 




1669 


Sep. 27, 1674 




John Chidfey 






Dec. 31, 1688 




John Punderfon 




1689 


Jan, 22, 1630 




Abraham Bradley 




1696 


1718 




Samuel Biihop 






March 12, 1748.iS.85 


Ifaac Dickerman 






*75 8 




John Punderfon, Jun. J" 


1727 


1742 




John Monfon 






1748 




John Hitchcock 




174-2 


oa. 1753 




JonathanMansfield] 


[751 Refigned 


i77iJan.io,i785 


89 


Samuel Bifhop 


l 75 6 




17710a. 2, 1779 


81 


Daniel Lyman 




1754 


oa. 17S6 


69 


John Whiting 




I75<$ 


June 21, 1786 


64 


Thomas Howel ") 
Stephen Ball J 




1771 


May 18, 1797 


79 




Oa. 10, 1799 


73 


Samuel Darling 




1786 







John Hubbard 1797 

Baptifms in the firft church from 1639 to 1685, ac- 
cording to the beft eflimate from imperfea records, 960. 
During Mr. Pierpoint's miniftry, being 29 years, 1467. 
During Mr. Noyes' miniftry, from 1716 to 1758, 1739. 
During Mr. Whittlefey's miniftry, being twenty nine 
years and five months, 476 males, 504 females, total 
980. From Mr. Whittlefey's death in 1787 to Decem- 
ber 28, 1800, males 132, females 139, total 241. To- 
tal in 162 years 5364. 

• Both were of the feven who formed the church. Mr. Gil- 
bert was a magiftrate many years, and was chofen deputy govern- 
or one or two ^ears» 



—6a— 

P. 42. C. The churches which have proceeded 
from New Haven are 

I. Wallingford. The fettlement of this town 
was conducted by a committee of New Haven, who had 
full power to manage the whole affair. They appointed 
a fub-committee at the village, (as Wallingford was then 
called) flipulating particularly with regard to the mimicry 
and church affairs in the following manner". " For the 
" fafety and well being of the church affairs, miniftry 
" and maintenance, the committee [of New Haven J 
" do order, that the faid undertakers and fuccefiive 
" planters fhall before admitted fubfcribe to the foiiow- 
" ing engagement ; viz. He or they, as a'brefaid, fhall 
44 not by any means diflurb the church, when fettled 
u there, in their choice of minifter or minifters, or other 
" church officers ; or in any of their other church rights, 
*' liberties, or adminiftrations : Nor fhali refufe or with- 
" draw due maintenance from fuch miniftry. And un- 
*' till fuch church be fettled, fhall fubmit to fuch 
" order as the faid committee fhall make for a godly 
f miniftry to difpenfe the word of God among them." 
This inflrument, fubferibed by the New Haven commit- 
tee, feven in number, is dated 31ft day of 11 month, 
1699. Wallingford church was gathered 1674. Their 
firft minifter was the Rev. Samuel Street, fon of the 
Rev. Nicholas Street of New Haven. He was ordain- 
ed 1674 — died January 1717. JE. 82. Second paftor, 
Rev. Samuel Whittlefey, ordained April 17 10 — died 
April 15, 1752. M. 67. Third paftor, James Dana, 
ordained October 12, 1758. Removed 1789. 

II. East Haven. The church was gathered, 1705, 
(perhaps) Rev. Jacob Heminway, born in the place, af- 
ter preaching feven years to the church and fociety, was 
ordained paftor, October 17 n. He was ordained in a 
fchool houfe, fouth of the firft meetinghoufe, m which till 
then he had preached. He died October 1754* -&. 71. 
Rev. Nicholas Street, great grandfon to him of New 
Haven, ordained October 8, 1755, is now in his 71ft 
year. 

III. North Haven. The church was embodied 
17 18. In November of that year, the Reverend James 
Wetmore was ordained paftor. He declared for Epifco- 
pacy in 1722, and was miffionary at Rye ; where he died 



May 14, 1760. The Rev. Ifaac Stiles,~who fucceeddd 
him at North Haven, was ordained November n, 1734 
— died May 14, 1760, JE. 63. The Rev. Dr. Trum- 
buil, the prefent paftor, was ordained December 24* 
1760. 

IV. West Haven. The Rev. Dr. Samuel John- 
fon, the flit minifter, was ordained 172,0. In Oclober 
1JIZ heprofeffed himfelf an Epifcopalian, and left his 
people. He was miifionary at Stratford many years ; and 
afterwards Prefident of New York college. He died at 
Stratford, January 1770, iE. 75. He had the character 
of a great fcholar, fupeiior divine, and exemplary 
Chnftian. The Rev. Jonathan Arnold was the fecond 
minifter at Weft Haven, ordained 172,5 or 172,6. About 
the year 1734 he declared for Epifcopacy. Having offi- 
ciated as minionary at Derby and Weft Haven three or 
four years, he removed to Staten Ifland. The Rev. 
Timothy Allen, the third minifter of Weft Haven, was 
ordained 1738, and difmiffed 1742. He is now paftor of 
Chefterfield, (MafTachufetts) and in his 86th year. The 
Rev. Nathan Birdfeye, the fourth paftor, was ordained 
Oct. 1742; and continued in his paftoral relation until 
June 1758. He was then difmiffed by the Confociation 
mutually called, and recommended to the improvement 
of the churches. He had a family of twelve children, 
and a very imall falary. Removing to his patrimonial 
inheritance at Stratford, he has made it his rule to preach, 
occafionaily, when neceffity appeared to call for it. He 
is now in nis 88th year. The Rev. Noah Willifton, the 
prefent paftjr, was ordained June 1760: 

V. Woodbridge. The church was embodied, and 
the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge ordained, November 
1742. The Rev. Eliphalet Ball was inftalled (by the 
Kev. Mr. Woodbridge) colleague paftor, December 
1783. Mr. Woodbridge died December 24, 1785, aged 
75. Mr. Ball refigned May 1, 1788. Rev. Joftah 
Sherman was called July 13, 1789, and died the follow- 
ing November. Rev. David L. Beebee ordained Feb, 
23, 1791 — difmiffed March 18, 1800, by a mutual coun- 
cil, on account of ill health. 

VI. White Haven church was formed May, 1742; 
and the Rev. Samuel Bird, who had been feveral vears 
the pafttor ofji church in Dunftable (MafTachufetts) was 



inftalled Oft. 13, 1751. Ifaac Dickcrman, who had 
been many years deacon of the firft church, was chofen 
deacon of White Haven church, April 2, 1754. Jofeph 
Ruggles was chofen April 10, of the fame year. Here* 
moved to New Milford in 1758. The fame year David 
Auftin was chofen deacon of this church. He died Feb, 
5, 1801, JE. 69. Daniel Lyman, who had been fe vera 1 
years deacon of the firft church, was chofen to the fame 
office in this (W. H.) April 30, 1758. Samuel Bifhop 
chofen April 20, 1760. Rev. Samuel Bird difmiffed 
January 19, 1768. He died May 3, 1784, JE» 64* 
Baptifms in Mr. Birds miniftry, being feventeen years 
and three months, 350, 

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards was ordained 
poftor of White Haven church January 4, 1769. Dif- 
miffed May 19, 1795. Baptifms in his miniftry, 314. 

VII. Hamden. The church was formed January 
26, 1764. It confifted of members from New Haven 
and North Haven. The Rev. Nathaniel Sherman was 
inftalled May 18, 1768, difmiffed Auguft 9, 177 1, and 
died at Eafl Windfor. The Rev. Jofliua Perry was or- 
dained Oclober 15, 1783 and difmiffed 1790. The 
Rev. Afa Lyman, the prefent pallor, was ordained 
Sept. 9, 1800. 

East Plain. The church was embodied 1795 J 
and the Rev. Abraham Allen ordained 1796. 

Fair Haven church formed June 10, 177 r. 
The Rev. Aliyn Mather was ordained the paftor, Feb. 
3, 1773. With an heart engaged in his work, he was 
willing to fpend and be fpent in the fervice of an affec- 
tionate flock. His feeble conftitution was broken down, 
by minifteriaj labors ; and his days fhortened. In 1784 
he took a voyage for the recovery of his health, and di- 
ed at Savannah in Georgia, November 4, JE. 37. In 
Iris miniftry of 1 ,1? years the baptifms were 244. The 
Rev. Samuel Auftin was ordained paftor of this church, 
November 9, 1786. Difmiffed January 19, 1790. Bap- 
tifms in his miniftry 36. James Gilbert was chofen dea- 
con April 30, 1773 ; and died December 11, 1797, ^E» 
71. Abraham Augur was chofen October 11, 1773; 
and died May 30, 1798, &. 74. Levi Ives was chofen 
June 27, 1787- 



-65- 

The united church and foe icty were formed 1796, 
The Rev. John Geramil was inftalled their paftor, Nov. 
7, 1798. Captain Abel Burrett chofen deacon Feb. 
25, 1801. Baptifms by Mr. Gemmil, 19 males, 17 fe- 
males. Total 36. 

The Rev. Ebenezer Punderfon was the incumbent 
of the episcopal fociety from 1755 to 1762* The 
Rev. Solomon Palmer, from 1763 to 1766* And the 
Rev. Bela Hubbard, the prefent incumbent, has had 
the charge of the fociety from the autumn of 1767. Mr. 
Punderfon removed to Rye, in the ftate of New York, 
where he died at an advanced age. Mr. Palmer remov- 
to Litchfield in this ftate, where he died not long after 
he left New Haven- 

P. 42. D. The number of families in the city is 
730. The families average 5 J, the houfes 7 J. Males 
1914. Females 2086. Slaves 85. Free blacks 115. 
Indians and mulattoes 48. Foreigners 142. Congre- 
gationalifts 47 1 families. Epifcopalians 226. Catholics 
7. Moravians 1. Baptifts 1. Methodifts 3. Qua- 
kers 1. Prieftlians 4. Nothingarians 16. Public 
buildings 14; viz. 1 ftate houfe ; 3 large houfes of wor- 
fhip, improved by Congregationalifts ; and one large 
epifcopal church ; 4 college edifices ; viz. two occupied 
by the ftudents, a chapel, and a dining hall ; two 
fchool houfes, one of them an elegant new edifice of two 
ftories. Preparation is making for a new fchool houfe 
for the grammar fchool. A new goal, built of hewn 
ftone, of three ftories ; in the front, and adjoining, a ve- 
ry elegant brick dwelling houfe, of three ftories, facing 
the green. 1 Aims Houfe. Dwelling houfes 524. Stores 
1 10. Barns and (hops 337. 

Navigation of the city, {hewing the number of 
tons, and in what trade employed 

In the fealing and India trade. 

Tons. <)$tbs. 
Four ftiips 1045 43 

European trade. 
Two brigs 1 ,Q 

One fchooner J * ' 

Weft India frade. 
Fifteen brigs ~) 

Ten fchooners V 2962 30 

JS'u. floops J . 



—66— 

Amount of tonnage employed in foreign 

trade, _ .4337 4* 

Veflels employed in the coafting trade to different parts 

of the United States 
One brig "J 

Three fchooners I 1098 51 
Nineteen Hoops J * 

5436 2 
Of the above, 12 Hoops are employed as packets to 
New York ; the tonnage of thele is 648 63* 
Total 
Ships 4 

Brigs 18 

Schooners 14 

Sloops 25 

61 

About fixty years ago, the whole navigation confin- 
ed of two coafters and one Weft India veflel. Before 
the American revolution, the outward bound cargoes of 
our Weft India veflels did not average more than 1500 
dollars. They now average 6 or 7000 ; but the price of 
articles is doubled. 

Population in 1787,. 3364. Males 1657. Females 
1707. Families 614. Houfes 466. Stores 103. Barns 
and fhops 324* The number of each age from one to 
ninety ftood thus in 1787. 



Age 


Number 


Age 


Number 


Age 


Numt 


1 


173 


16 


103 


3 1 


45 


3 


113 


*7 


62 


32 


42 


3 


100 


18 


84 


33 


J8 


4 


119 


19 


62 


34 


33 


5 


107 


20 


74 


35 


49 


6 


100 


21 


77 


36 


50 


7 


87 


22 


57 


37 


31 


8 


06 


23 


58 


38 


3 1 


9 


89 


24 


55 


39 


36 


10 


85 


25 


66 


40 


52 


11 


70 


26 


5 1 


41 


29 


12 


80 


27 


55 


'4* 


33 


*3 


86 


28* 


5° 


43 


29 


14 


95 


29 


40 


44 


18 


*5 


7' 


3° 


66 


45 


28 



_6 7 - 



Age 


Number 


Age 


Number 


^ 


Number 


46 


22 


61 


ir 


70 


1 


47 


34 


62 


8 


77 


5 


48 


9 


63 


9 


78 


2 


49 


12 


64 


10 


79 


3 


5° 


35 


65 


13 


80 


4 


5 1 


*7 


66 


8 


81 





5 Z 


34 


67 


<5 



82 


O 


53 


16. 


68 


5 


83 


I 


54 


1 2 


69 




84 


I 


55 


17 


7° 


6 


85 





56 


18 


7i 


1 


86 


I 


51 


10 


72 


2 


87 


I 


58 


11 


73 


2 


88 


O 


59 


7 


74 


2 


89 





60 


28 


75 


3 


90 


I 


N. 


B. The 


numbe 


rs under 


and 


above 17 are 


*qual. 


Within the firft \ 


'ear we find on 


the lift of mor- 


tality almoft double 


the number of 


any 


bther year — In 


populous cities, pe 


rhaps, 


more that 


. deu 1 : 


le. In this ci- 


ty, one 


third of the deaths is of th 


ofe u 


nder ten years, 



calculating upon an uliial mortality; and more die under 
five and above iixty than in the intermediate fpace. 

Mr. Saurin, in a new year's difcourfe, delivered in 

the church of Rotterdam, 1727, fuppoiing his auditory 

to co null of eighteen hundred perfons, clamfies them 

jhus : 

jft of perfons from 10 to 20 years, amounting to 530. 

2nd from 20 to 30 440 

3rd 30 to 40 345 

4th 40 to 50 255 

^th jjo to 60 160 

6th 60 and upwards 70 



lSC0 

46 According to the. moft exact calculations, of thofe 
il who have made fuch kind of refeai ches their i>udy, 
*< each of thefe claffes mud, in the conrfe of this >ear, 
u prefent to death a tribute of ten penbns. " In New- 
England the yearly deaths from each of thefe clafles, and 
upon thefe numbers, rarely exceeds five. 

This city was viilted with epidemics in 17942nd 1 795, 
ifrhich added about two hundred to the ufual mortality. 



—68- 

In the former part of the year 1794, the Scarlet Fever, 
or Putr id SoreT hro at, prevailed. To this fucceeded 
the Yellow Fever. The Dysentery followed in 
1795. The mortality by the firft was fifty; by the fe- 
cond, 63 ; and by the lait, 75. Of 140 who had the 
yellow fever, 77 recovered. 

A legacy of Governor Hopkins, appropriated to the 
grammar fchool, affords an annual intereft of two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. This, with fome perquifites, and 
the advantage of rending in New-Haven, is an induce- 
ment to the moil deferving young gentlemen, from time 
to time, to undertake the inftruclion of it. In the ci- 
ty of New- Haven, there are, befide the grammar fchool, 
eight public and five private fchools. The number of 
fcholars in the former is 32,0. In the latter, viz. 
Union fchool, confiding of two departments, one for 
males, the other for females, 124; of which number 6x 
are males. In the three other private fchools 64. To* 
tal within the city 508. In the town, exclufive of the 
city, there are feven public fchools, and one private-^-viz. 
at Hotchkifs' town two, 60 fcholars. Allingtown one, 
19. Dogman one, 49. Dragon bridge one, 40. Weft 
Haven three, 120. Total in town and city, fifteen pub- 
lic and fix private fchools. Number of fcholars 796. 
On an average, to each fchool 38. A free fchool within 
the city provides for the inftruclion of a number of poor 
children, included in the above. 

The new and very decent cemetery at the north end 
of the city was projected and completed by the honorable 
James Hillhoufe, Efquire. The various public exertions 
of this gentleman for the benefit, convenience and orna- 
ment of the city will be long experienced. 



P. 26. 1. 8. for characters read charters. P. 37. 1. 
6. for aad read and, P. 63. 1. ult. dele / in past tor* 
P. 64, 1. 15. for postor read pastor % P» 64. 1* 8. from 
the bottom for \ read £. 









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